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!
2,647 Verified Customer Reviews
2,647 Customer Ratings and Reviews
Shopper Approved collects trusted reviews from customers who have made a verified purchase.
4.8
Overall Star
Rating
5-star 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!
Today
Great selection
Love the options
Today
Very streamlined process.
Why Recollections?
Traditional designs impeccably handmade.
Garment Choice
The beauty of the bustle.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 day ago
Katy is fantastic...she helped me with sizes and blouses.
Why Recollections?
Returning customer....fantastic service and quality.
Garment Choice
Very feminine and girly designs.
3 days ago , Ca
I ordered the wrong skirt and returned for replacement. Now I have what I wanted!
Why Recollections?
Because you sell the clothes I want.
Garment Choice
I like long twirling skirts
Company Response
So wonderful!! Thank you for your comments and rating. I am glad this all worked out for us all!
3 days ago
I can be assured it will be awesome!
Why Recollections?
Reputation
Garment Choice
For Christmas
I am responsible with my friend to decorate our Historical Gazebo at Virginia Field Park in Calvert,TX & I want to be in a beautiful dress.
Company Response
What a beautiful choice for Christmas! Thank you for your comments and rating!
3 days ago
Excellent!
Why Recollections?
Referral from 20 years ago when I volunteered at a museum. It must be a good company if they are still in business and still getting good reviews. I trusted that my first order would be a good experience. And I need a good rapport with a provider for these types of garments to add to my wardrobe.
Garment Choice
They are for modern wear under my longer maxi skirts. I cannot find slips that fit and that are long enough. Also, for modesty. My vintage slips from mom wore out and these replace them.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
3 days ago
Very good experience
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
4 days ago
Good pictures & descriptions
Why Recollections?
Recommended
Garment Choice
Additional pieces needed
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating! We're blessed with a wonderful photographer!!
4 days ago
I love this company. Their clothing is very well made and they are great to work with.
Why Recollections?
Past purchases that are wonderfully made
Garment Choice
Goes with other items I have purchased in the past
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
4 days ago
Loved being able to choose colors and style
Why Recollections?
Recommended by friend
Garment Choice
My wedding dress
Company Response
Thank you for your rating and comments! There are so many options to choose!
4 days ago
The Recollections site is very easy to use and the selection of clothing is quite large so it is so easy to find and order many items!
Garment Choice
I have ordered many dresses and shirts from Recollections, this order is for a petticoat.
Why Recollections?
I love the clothing and the quality, as well as the prices!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating! It is a bit addictive, isn't it!?
4 days ago
As always, a wonderful experience
Garment Choice
I am trying to match an outfit in black velvet and purple
Why Recollections?
I have never been disappointed in anything I have ever gotten from you.
Company Response
Thank you for your comment and rating! I hope we've helped you find the color match!
4 days ago
I didn't understand the ordering process for a 2-piece dress but got great help when I called.
Why Recollections?
I am first-person historical performer and have purchased costumes in the past. The garments are well-constructed, with a large variety of beautiful styles from different eras.
Garment Choice
I anticipate performing a woman from a small rural town in Kansas later this year.
4 days ago
A few website glitches on mobile site, but still functional
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. Technology is always our biggest challenge. Thank you for the feedback!
5 days ago
Good
Garment Choice
I'll be going to a couple Steampunk events this year.
Why Recollections?
I have purchased here before
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
5 days ago
It was difficult with all the choices!!! LOL.
Garment Choice
It is truly beautiful.
Why Recollections?
I love their fashions!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. You picked a gem!
6 days ago
Site is easy to navigate. I easily found the garments in the colours I was looking for. A great selection of clothing inspired by classical styles.
Garment Choice
I was looking for a red 50s swing dress and found one in a style I liked. The apron is to go with my Edwardian style dress. The work dress is for everyday use
Why Recollections?
I have ordered before. There is large selection of various classical styles I like. A good quality of clothing. The service is great and hassle-free.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. So glad you found several things you liked!!
1 week ago
This is probably the tenth item I have purchased and I’m always pleased with how lovely and well created the pattern turns out.
Garment Choice
Reenactment of WWI coming up
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
1 week ago
Love the webshop!
Garment Choice
My favorite dress,
I wear one in a different calico every day!
Why Recollections?
They are the best! I am sinds 2009 And they are still the best!
Company Response
Thank you for your continued visits!!
1 week ago
Easy to order. Lots to choose from!
Garment Choice
For a character portrayal presentation.
Why Recollections?
Always my go to.... beautifully made clothing
Company Response
Thanks for always coming back!
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