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!
14 Product Ratings and Reviews
4.9
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!
John A - 1 week ago
Beautiful skirt and fits well.
Why Recollections?
I love the clothing styles that you provide
Garment Choice
Looking for modest pretty clothing options
1 week ago
Easy-to-use site that cares about a good shopping experience
Kathleen - 12/28/2022
I have several of these skirts now in different colors, and the quality and fit is just as good with this one too! Love Recollections and also love that these skirts have pockets!
Katie - 10/27/2022
We selected hunter green, and while I expected for it to be a bit darker, it ended up working really well with our outfit choice! The lengths were great and the waistband was stretchy and comfortable.
Why Recollections?
We had a hobbit themed wedding and needed unique pieces.
Garment Choice
We had a hobbit themed wedding and needed unique pieces.
10/27/2022 - GA
Before placing my order with Recollections, I asked them questions with quick turn around times on the answers! Their expedited shipping was true to the expectation and arrived quickly based on the date I requested. When we received the items, we needed to change out a vest due to ordering a size too large and the process was quick and easy for a trade in. Definitely recommend using Recollections!
Rebekah - 08/19/2022
Wish I’d chosen a different color, but the skirt is fine.
Why Recollections?
They have Revolutionary and Civil War items that I need.
Garment Choice
Going to a fun event- wanted something new.
08/19/2022
Easy - always enjoy shopping!
donna - 08/13/2022
Waistband very tight elastic
Why Recollections?
Referred to me
Garment Choice
Price
08/13/2022 - AZ
Usually true to size
Patricia - 08/07/2022
Just what I wanted. Will be perfect for my living history events.
Why Recollections?
It's the best quality and price.
Garment Choice
I needed a skirt to mix and match with previous purchases.
08/07/2022 - OR
Love Recollections. I've been a happy customer for many years.
Jan - 07/03/2022
Any women's clothing that includes pockets is always a big plus for me!
Why Recollections?
I have used your site in the past and have been pleased.
Garment Choice
I have needed a skirt in those 3 colors for some time now, and the fact that they have pockets makes them more appealing.
07/03/2022 - Texas
I was checking on my order and y'all were very helpful.
Mary A - 06/07/2022
Received what was ordered. Good quality
Why Recollections?
Recommended by someone
Garment Choice
need something easier to get into than a one-piece dress
06/07/2022
I like the option to provide measurements so as to be certain the order will fit.
Sonja - 04/16/2022
Pretty and very lightweight. Planning to wear for a Victorian themed wedding. I also think it will be great for our Ren fair.
Why Recollections?
Liked the color options, styles, and variety.
Garment Choice
Simple, versatile, attractive, and right size.
04/16/2022 - Colorado
Love your options and styles
Alexander - 08/30/2021
I got this as a gift and it was very well received.
Why Recollections?
I was looking for a gift and the person I was buying for liked the products.
Garment Choice
The person I was shopping for let me know they were some of the things she wanted.
08/30/2021 - BC
Everything went smoothly. Shipping took a little more time than I expected, but that is just how it goes occasionally.
Kathleen - 05/17/2021
I love this skirt! It is comfortable and has a nice full skirt and best of all it has pockets! I now have two of these lovely skirts.
Kathleen - 02/25/2021
I love this skirt! It's the perfect length and I really like the fullness of the skirt. The material is fairly light but works well with a petticoat, and the pockets are wonderful!
Why Recollections?
The quality is excellent, and they have unique clothing.
Garment Choice
I love to wear long skirts and this is exactly what I needed.
02/25/2021 - WA
I have always had a great experience ordering from Recollections! The products are high quality and exactly what I ordered with no issues.
Abigail - 09/12/2019
This skirt is perfect for those who like sturdy cotton everyday skirts, like me. I love that you can get it in different lengths. I purchased one in Chocolate 35" as part of my everyday autumn/winter wardrobe. The skirt goes perfectly with my turtleneck and shawl. It is very versatile and the pockets are a nice touch.
Karen W - 06/13/2018
I really like this nice, simple skirt, it's beautifully made & love the pockets & the fabric is a nice quality, light weight, but NOT cheap quality, they can be dressed up for going to church or dinner or left simple for everyday use. I plan on getting several more of these skirts in different colors.
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