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!

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2,893 Verified Customer Reviews

2,893 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
2494
(86.2%)
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
288
(10%)
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
83
(2.9%)
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
13
(0.4%)

Customer Service
4.7
5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
275
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
28
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
8
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
4
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
8
SHOW DETAILS

5-star reviews
2,250+

5-star reviews

5 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!

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D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Deborah
1 hour after

Recollections is FIRST RATE in all categories!!!

Why Recollections?

They are the BEST!!! for accurate/lovely/well-made historically accurate clothing and accoutrements!

Garment Choice

I need this hat to complete the already ordered and received Edwardian dress.

Company Response

Every Lady needs a hat!  Thank you for your comments and rating!


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Sharon
Today

Recollections is very easy to work with for any surprise thar may arrive. Katie made all things right; even when a color I chose, didn't quite work out. Her suggestions, mindfulness and tremendous attention to detail make this a Great Company.

Customer Service
5/5

Why Recollections?

Friends were also customers

Garment Choice

I needed a skirt to pull together a outfit.

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

Today

Simple Style to Pull It Together

The Twill Eduardian Skirt is a flattering style. It slips on easy and makes an outfit look really put together.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Meghan
1 day ago

It was great! Shipping did take a little while and it was down to the wire of the exact same day that my event was. When I contacted customer service they did say my pieces would arrive in time (and they did), but I would recommend ordering quite a while in advance if you want your pieces long before your event. But other than that, I can't say enough about the quality of the pieces and how many compliments I received on them. They are quality pieces that will last for many years!

Customer Service
4/5

Why Recollections?

The ability to customize sizing and colours, and the accessibility of pricing for good pieces.

Garment Choice

They offer the frilly, floaty, lacy Belle Epoque styles I was looking for.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating. 

Avonlea Edwardian Blouse
Avonlea Edwardian Blouse
Read more reviews about this product

1 day ago

Beautiful Blouse

This blouse is lovely. The lace is very soft and comfortable, and the elastic around the elbows doesn’t dig in. With the buttons in the back it is a little difficult to do up by yourself, so I recommend having someone else to help. The buttons also like to pop open every now and then, but that’s a very minor issue. This blouse is lovely!

1 day ago

Beautiful Belt

Worked perfectly for my outfit! The company was able to put two sets of buttons so I could wear the belt corseted or not. The belt has a little structure to it so it keeps its shape. Very well done! I would definitely buy again in all sorts of colours.

Victorian Ruffled Skirt
Victorian Ruffled Skirt
Read more reviews about this product

1 day ago

This skirt is everything!

This skirt is a dream. It can be bustled or untied to form a train. The elastic waistband is perfect if you’re corseted or not. The fabric is heavy without being too hard to walk in, but I will note that at the front it is a little see through in bright light, so a petticoat is a must. Don’t worry about the train getting dirty- the skirt washes beautifully! The skirt itself is very easy to walk in, and if you measure correctly you don’t have to worry about stepping on it with your shoes. I adore this skirt and will be using it for many years to come!


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer carol
2 days ago

Happy to buy American made!!

Why Recollections?

Styles, choices, and made very well in the USA!

Garment Choice

Unique designs and very well made.

Company Response

Thank you for buying American made!!


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Carolyn
3 days ago

So far, excellent

Why Recollections?

Quality merchandise

Garment Choice

Pretty for professional Caroling

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Deidra C.
3 days ago

As always—way too easy !

Why Recollections?

They are the best!

Garment Choice

I am an Edwardian re-enactor and I will need a new costume next Spring and might as well purchase it on sale!

Company Response

We are glad it was easy!! Thank you for your comments and rating. 


H
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Holly G.
3 days ago

I truly enjoy shopping on your web site!

Why Recollections?

Because of the quality of the products produced in everything!

Garment Choice

Have recently lost 54 lbs and not longer huge :) So this dress seemed appropriate for my event in a smaller size :)

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer JoAnne
3 days ago

I love these dresses. The ones I have ordered and worn on many occasions are so well made and absolutely beautiful.
Just received another outfit this September 2023 and it is beautiful. I look forward to wearing it for a Folk Festival where I will be a playing the role of an early American shop keeper!

Garment Choice

It is beautiful and will be perfect for a fall event.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating! 


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kenneth
3 days ago

My Wife has always loved every thing she has gotten from here!

Why Recollections?

Excellent service and great reproduction clothing!

Garment Choice

Wife needed a jacket to go with some of her outfits and this jacket came up on sale

Company Response

Great timing! Thank you for your comments and rating. 


R
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Rochelle
4 days ago

It is always a pleasure to order from Recollections

Garment Choice

I do living history events from different eras. This one fits my Civil War Impression perfectly.

Why Recollections?

I chose Recollections because everything is authentic and well made. People comment all the time about the outfits.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


E
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Ellen
5 days ago , Alabama

Love shopping Recollections.

Garment Choice

Mrs. Claus

Why Recollections?

Choices

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer C C.
6 days ago

B

Company Response

Thank you !


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Buckaroo B.
1 week ago

I called ahead and got information on sizing, so I'm pretty confident that this will work out.

Why Recollections?

I do cowboy action shooting, and I also love dresses, and this just combines my two loves. :)

Garment Choice

Why wouldn't I? It's gorgeous!

Company Response

What fun!! Thank you for your comments and rating! 


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Brian K.
1 week ago

Easy to use site, no problems ordering

Why Recollections?

Repeat customers, no issues first time.

Garment Choice

Correct to period gowns at an affordable price, many fabric options to choose from.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating! 


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Julie
1 week ago

Thank you! Enjoy the website!

Why Recollections?

Made in America. Historical clothing.

Garment Choice

Clearance & color

Company Response

We love being American made! Thank you for your comments and rating! 


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Deb
1 week ago

I enjoy looking at the various styles and they are great to choose from

Garment Choice

I like the modest style

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating! 


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Bianca
1 week ago

Love the webshop, very beautiful pictures of the desses

Garment Choice

The collars are very versatile they make a blouse or dress look different in an instant

Why Recollections?

They are the best! My absolute favorite shop.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating! 


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Michele
1 week ago

I like the email saying that Clearance has been updated - I often miss an opportunity

Why Recollections?

no time to sew from scratch

Garment Choice

it is one I can take in and still have enough room for my large arms and - on sale!

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Ann
1 week ago

Good; great we’re it not for my clumsy fingers on this iPhone late at night!

Why Recollections?

Lovely things; educational blog

Garment Choice

I love everything Regency and may even have ordered from you in the past.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer LaReta
1 week ago

Excellent quality products and shipping.

Garment Choice

Fur collar and cuffs for a garment currently in production for use as Mrs. Santa. Will add the fur collar and cuffs for outdoor events.

Company Response

Thank you for your comments and rating!


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