recollections.biz Reviews

About this Company

Recollections is your connection to history-inspired fashions. What was once a dream on a kitchen table has grown into an e-tail company with a global presence. Recollections was founded in 1981 in southern Michigan.

It quickly grew into a bricks-and-mortar retailer and mail order company specializing in wedding attire inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The original line consisted of dresses, skirts, blouses, petticoats, camisoles, and pantaloons.

Over the next 18 years, Recollections grew as a cottage industry. Operations moved to Hawks, a tiny picturesque community less than 10 miles from the shore of Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan. The company opened in the former Bismarck Township Hall, where operations continue to this day.

Why did Marianne move away from the hustle and bustle of the greater Detroit area to Northern Michigan? "Look around you! I never tire of the beauty and peacefulness of the area. We used to vacation in Rogers City in the summer when I was a teenager, so I was familiar with the area. I live in a log cabin in the woods less than 1/2 mile from Lake Huron, and the only noise I hear is the soothing sound of the waves rather than the noise of the traffic one hears downstate."

Recollections took the leap to e-tailing in 1999, long before many retailers. The online store featured three dozen products when the website was launched. Today, our online store offers nearly 1,000 garments and accessories from the Georgian/Regency, Victorian (including Civil War era and Old West), and Edwardian eras through the 1920s. We also feature a line of 1950s retro dresses.

Quality in design and construction, and a focus on customer service are the cornerstones of Recollections' foundation. Fabrics and embellishments are carefully selected to create the 'look' that is the hallmark of our clothing. We search until we find the quality fabrics, laces, trims, and accessories our customers expect.

Each garment is lovingly designed by Recollections' founder. Marianne is the creative energy behind the company. Her designs are then created, one at a time, by a network of seamstresses who are part of our extended family. Our models are lovely young women born and raised right here in our corner of Northern Michigan, except for Ola. She is from Ukraine and brings a unique perspective and sense of humor to the family.

Cheryl from Hats and Accessories by Cheryl designs and creates most of our hats. Cheryl and Marianne often work as a team so our hats perfectly complement our garments. Occasionally, they switch places. Instead of Cheryl designing a hat inspired by a garment, Marianne will design dress or ensemble inspired by one of Cheryl's hats. They make quite a team, collaborating and inspiring each other to the next level!

There are many others in our extended family, too. Sharon Meredith specializes in period appropriate hairstyles. Jennifer S. Adkins serves as our photographer and brings a keen sense of composition to each fashion shoot. Sue McDonald and Cheryl design accessories that are in sync our style. Our bloggers, social media, and website specialists, as well as those who provide assistance through customer service and sales are all part of our story.

Our talented and highly valued team is the reason we can offer the highest quality in history-inspired garments proudly made in America just for you!

Filter

3,078 Verified Customer Reviews

3,078 Customer Ratings and Reviews

Shopper Approved collects trusted reviews from customers who have made a verified purchase.

4.8

Overall Star
Rating

5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
2650
(86.1%)
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
309
(10%)
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
89
(2.9%)
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)

Customer Service
4.7
5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
290
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
29
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
8
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
5
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
9
SHOW DETAILS

5-star reviews
2,500+

5-star reviews

6 years collecting reviews

About this Company

Recollections is your connection to history-inspired fashions. What was once a dream on a kitchen table has grown into an e-tail company with a global presence. Recollections was founded in 1981 in southern Michigan.

It quickly grew into a bricks-and-mortar retailer and mail order company specializing in wedding attire inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The original line consisted of dresses, skirts, blouses, petticoats, camisoles, and pantaloons.

Over the next 18 years, Recollections grew as a cottage industry. Operations moved to Hawks, a tiny picturesque community less than 10 miles from the shore of Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan. The company opened in the former Bismarck Township Hall, where operations continue to this day.

Why did Marianne move away from the hustle and bustle of the greater Detroit area to Northern Michigan? "Look around you! I never tire of the beauty and peacefulness of the area. We used to vacation in Rogers City in the summer when I was a teenager, so I was familiar with the area. I live in a log cabin in the woods less than 1/2 mile from Lake Huron, and the only noise I hear is the soothing sound of the waves rather than the noise of the traffic one hears downstate."

Recollections took the leap to e-tailing in 1999, long before many retailers. The online store featured three dozen products when the website was launched. Today, our online store offers nearly 1,000 garments and accessories from the Georgian/Regency, Victorian (including Civil War era and Old West), and Edwardian eras through the 1920s. We also feature a line of 1950s retro dresses.

Quality in design and construction, and a focus on customer service are the cornerstones of Recollections' foundation. Fabrics and embellishments are carefully selected to create the 'look' that is the hallmark of our clothing. We search until we find the quality fabrics, laces, trims, and accessories our customers expect.

Each garment is lovingly designed by Recollections' founder. Marianne is the creative energy behind the company. Her designs are then created, one at a time, by a network of seamstresses who are part of our extended family. Our models are lovely young women born and raised right here in our corner of Northern Michigan, except for Ola. She is from Ukraine and brings a unique perspective and sense of humor to the family.

Cheryl from Hats and Accessories by Cheryl designs and creates most of our hats. Cheryl and Marianne often work as a team so our hats perfectly complement our garments. Occasionally, they switch places. Instead of Cheryl designing a hat inspired by a garment, Marianne will design dress or ensemble inspired by one of Cheryl's hats. They make quite a team, collaborating and inspiring each other to the next level!

There are many others in our extended family, too. Sharon Meredith specializes in period appropriate hairstyles. Jennifer S. Adkins serves as our photographer and brings a keen sense of composition to each fashion shoot. Sue McDonald and Cheryl design accessories that are in sync our style. Our bloggers, social media, and website specialists, as well as those who provide assistance through customer service and sales are all part of our story.

Our talented and highly valued team is the reason we can offer the highest quality in history-inspired garments proudly made in America just for you!

Filter
D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Diane H.
7 hours ago

Extremely Easy To Use Web Site And Purchasing.

Why Recollections?

I am a long term repeat customer. There are no equals to Recollections and the quality of their outfits and accessories.

Garment Choice

Matches a previous outfit I purchased from Recollections.


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer John A.
Today

Easy-to-use site that cares about a good shopping experience

Why Recollections?

I love the clothing styles that you provide

Garment Choice

Looking for modest pretty clothing options

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!

Dorothy Cotton Blouse
Dorothy Cotton Blouse
Read more reviews about this product

Today

Beautiful and simple

Beautifully made, but too large. I am having them altered to fit me better.

Sylvia Victorian Cotton Skirt
Sylvia Victorian Cotton Skirt
Read more reviews about this product

Today

Beautiful clothing style

Beautiful skirt and fits well.


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer laura
1 day ago

easy purcha

Why Recollections?

have bought before

Garment Choice

attending a Lafayette anniversary fun


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Sherry M.
1 day ago

Easy to navigate

Why Recollections?

Have shopped many times, always love the results

Garment Choice

Flattering style


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Deborah
1 day ago

Wonderful. So many excellent choices it was very hard to make up my mind

Why Recollections?

Absolutely gorgeous clothes with fantastic prices

Garment Choice

Going to a civil war event in October and wanted to look period but upper class.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Michelle-Lien
2 days ago

I'm unsure of my size but couldn't see where to add my measurements as stated.

Garment Choice

It is something I could use for shows.

Why Recollections?

Great look and good prices.


P
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Paula
2 days ago

Excellent product but be aware that there is a wait time for all orders.

Why Recollections?

Unique product with options to customize fit.

Garment Choice

I have always liked longer length skirts.

Sienna Edwardian Skirt
Sienna Edwardian Skirt
Read more reviews about this product

2 days ago

Lovely material and nicely made.


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kim I.
4 days ago , Victorian Society of Colorado

I asked a friend for a Regency Spenser & Regency dress as a Christmas gift and because they were on sale I asked my hubby for another set and ordered it for him to give to me :-)

Loved the quality and fit. They came just before a Star Trek Cruise in Febuary and I decided to use them as alien dignitaries costumes. I basted a striped fabric down the front of the black Spencer to make my husband's humanoid alien dignitary costume. It was a hoot.

Customer Service
5/5

Why Recollections?

I have used Recollections many times for many years. If you are not in a hurry you get a custom, fully sewn, quality product at almost less than I could personally just buy the fabric for. Many things are not lined but I prefer that because layers of costumes get too hot. The added benefit is it's easier to alter unlined items when my weight changes.

Garment Choice

I did not already have any Regency Spencer's. Also I wanted more Regency dresses because the are easy to wear compared to my Victorian dresses and can be worn as Titanic/ Edwardian with the right accessories. ( I gained weight while on steroids for cancer treatment and can still use these dresses after loosing the weight. I have lost 41 pounds but have 60 still to loose. Regency/Edwardian are not as fitted as Victorian and won't have to be abandoned when I fit back into my pre-cancer Victorian wardrobe.)


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Luann
5 days ago

I don’t know if I’ll receive my clearance sale dress yet. The order information said the first person to order it, gets it. It’s still on the sale list so does that (it must) mean it’s still available?


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Bonnie
6 days ago

This is my 6th(?) dress with Recollections. Everything they make is top quality and with the custom measurements, they always fit me. I love them.

Why Recollections?

They offer a huge selection of historical inspired dresses that are all so beautiful and at reasonable prices. Also, when I put my measurements in, they make the dress to fit me, and that is so amazing.

Garment Choice

I love the lace detail at the neck and on the arms. It's going to be so pretty.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating. 


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Sharon
6 days ago

I have purchased from you previously. Navigated website with ease.

Why Recollections?

Love the fashions!

Garment Choice

Have need of a front closing garment.


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Diane
1 week ago

A lot to choose from and a variety of materials, love their clothing!

Why Recollections?

I love their merchandise.

Garment Choice

I am Mrs Claus and I needed a new red dress and I like this one.

Company Response

Thank you for your feedback!


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer bianca L.
1 week ago

Love the website easy to navigate

Why Recollections?

They are the best!

Garment Choice

Love this blouse ordered it many times

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating. 


T
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Tiffany
1 week ago

Overall the customer support was quick to respond. It was stressful waiting for my dress to ship and see dates come mentioned pass by without updates but in the end my dress arrived in time for the event. Dress fit well overall but is slightly different then what was pictured. The sleeves weren't what I expected. Overall I am happy with the dress.

Customer Service
4/5

Garment Choice

I needed a regency dress for a LARP event. And saw thisnone had longer sleeves

Why Recollections?

It was recommended by a friend d

Company Response

We are very sorry to hear your garment wasn't exactly as you expected. Lead times are frequently extended due the time needed to create garments from cut to dress. We sincerely apologize for the delays you experienced. 


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Betty M.
1 week ago

Quick - Efficient!

Garment Choice

It will be complimentary to several of my existing dresses and I can anticipate wearing it at the theatre as well.

Why Recollections?

I am hoping to attend a Somewhere In Time Weekend at the end of October. I am slowly building my wardrobe.

Company Response

Thank you for your feedback!


A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Anette
1 week ago

Very simple with lots of options available.

Why Recollections?

Awesome clothes, really well made and authentic

Garment Choice

for reenactment as a pioneer school teacher

Company Response

Thank you for your feedback!


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Megan
1 week ago

Pleasure shopping with you. Love the new velvet choices.

Why Recollections?

Victorian/Edwardian dresses and accessories.

Garment Choice

I need a different coloured belt for my Edwardian lingerie dress I bought from you a year or two ago. My fiancé doesn't want me to wear a cotton wedding dress. Also need a couple of crinolines.

Company Response

Thank you for your feedback!


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kathleen J.
1 week ago

Easy website to navigate.

Why Recollections?

I love the quality of their merchandise and the great staff.

Garment Choice

It is simply beautiful

Company Response

Thank you for your feedback!


G
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Gail
1 week ago

Always wonderful!

Why Recollections?

Love their products!

Garment Choice

Because the vest will coordinate nicely with the plaid ensemble Recollections made for me previously give me more costume options

Company Response

Thank you for your comments!


G
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Gwen
1 week ago

I have ordered quite a few dresses from Recollections, only two were for historical purposes, the rest were for daily wear and I love them so much. While they are not 100% entirely historically accurate they are still beautiful and comfortable to wear.

Why Recollections?

I like dresses that are made of cotton rather than polyester and it's getting more and more difficult to find things that aren't 90% poly. Plus I can get long sleeves if I want. There's also usually a choice of hem length which is great if you are doing a more modern take on a historical item of clothing.

Garment Choice

This is stinking adorable. I already have the Steampunk Alec in Wonderland dress and love it to death. I wear it all the time to work and it doesn't look out of place. I have gotten so many compliments. I tend to dress more corporate 'goth' and I've found there are plenty of fabric choices in their dresses that work with my darker style.

Company Response

Thank you for your feedback!


Why Trust Verified Reviews?

Verified Reviews are real, authentic reviews collected from actual paying customers, using Shopper Approved's Verified Review Platform. When reviews are Verified by Shopper Approved, you know that you can trust them to make better buying decisions.

Unverified Reviews on the other hand, are reviews collected by Open Review platforms that allow anyone to leave a review, without any validation or proof of purchase. Unfortunately, most reviews you read online are Unverified Reviews, and can't be trusted.

As a consumer, here's how you can tell the difference:

Verified Reviews from Verified Review Platforms like Shopper Approved, have much higher review counts and higher overall Star ratings, because they attempt to collect reviews from every single paying customer.

Unverified Reviews from Open Review Platforms, tend to have much lower review counts and more negative Star ratings, because people with bad experiences are primarily those who leave reviews. This often creates a misleading, inaccurate portrayal of a companies true reputation.

So, when searching for Verified Reviews, look for the name you know you can trust. Shopper Approved.

Are you a Business?

See What Shopper Approved
Can Do For You

Inactive Business
Website

© 2024 ShopperApproved.com. All rights reserved. Learn more about Shopper Approved.

This Shopper Approved Customer Rating and Review Certificate was generated using independent survey information gathered by Shopper Approved, LLC © 2024