recollections.biz Reviews
About this CompanyRecollections 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!
11 Product Ratings and Reviews
4.8
Overall Star
Rating
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!
Jodi - 09/14/2023
My dress can and it was too small - I was devastated because it was so beautiful but didn't fit. A call to Recollections and they promised they could remake it and ship it back on time for my event! It was a QUICK turn around and the dress was back, fitting well and ready for a fun historical costume. I was so impressed with the quality and beauty of the dress but most of all I was impressed with the customer service. Incredible company.
Why Recollections?
Beautiful designs, fabrics and quality. Able to make the garment to fit what I needed.
Garment Choice
Perfect for the era of the event I was attending and quality material so I know it will last for me to wear again!
09/14/2023 - Nebraska
Incredible! I would definitely buy from them again.
Susan - 07/24/2023
Lovely fabric and pattern, and like so many others have said, this is a real garment, not a mere costume. Recollections made this up from a remnant at my request and I couldn't ask for more.
Delaney - 11/08/2022
A beautiful dress made from quality fabric! The lace detailing is beautiful, and everything looks just as it does in the photo.
Why Recollections?
Recollections is by far the most quality place to buy vintage style clothes from. Other places tend to use thin, cheap fabric, but Recollections uses high quality fabrics. Recollections also has a much larger selection than other websites, and offers great customization options.
Garment Choice
Elegant and beautiful while still simple. Lovely dress!
11/08/2022 - AB
Customer service is super fast, helpful, and kind. The clothes are quality, the website is easy to navigate and everything is just beautiful. Great experience all around!
Sherri - 06/15/2022
I LOVE the dress. The fit is great.
Why Recollections?
Looked like quality, and made in the USA!!
Garment Choice
I work at a historical museum, and this outfit is perfect for an exciting time for the town.
06/15/2022 - TX
Very easy
Cindy - 11/10/2021
The only thing I needed to change was the lace to cotton for the year I portray...great workmanship
Why Recollections?
I work with the Historical Society Robbin Riggins and Linda Cooke referred me
Garment Choice
it is period correct...1865...but I am not sure about the lace yet
11/10/2021 - CA
I love the site and enjoy reinactment in Sacramento, CA
Rosemarie - 06/04/2021
Lovely quality cotton which is useful as I wear this as a costumed tour guide at a castle
Why Recollections?
Impressed by the great range
Garment Choice
Cool cotton and very feminine
06/04/2021
Very efficient service. Perfect fit Good quality
Anonymous Customer - 03/02/2021
I love Recollections Clothes. The Fabric is High Quality!! And they will work with you to resolve any Alterations, etc.
Brenda - 02/28/2021
All of Recollection fabrics are 5 Star Quality!!
Why Recollections?
I have bought before and love products
Garment Choice
They helped me with the Diana Dress in the fabric and size that I needed.
Merchant Response
02/28/2021 - TX
very easy to find what you want
mary - 02/20/2021
This was a gift; bodice needs to be a bit longer but everything else suitable.
Why Recollections?
Have been looking for a period dress for some time (months!)
Garment Choice
Style, length, size satisfactory, but have had great difficulty finding a suitable material for a mature woman to wear at specific events
Merchant Response
02/20/2021
Computer shopping is difficult: you cannot feel the material nor see the color, so you have to depend on the Company
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