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!
Back to Product Reviews14 Product Ratings and Reviews
5.0
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!
Martha - 05/23/2023
The skirt looked great at our Victorian Tea, and with the shirt that I bought here, it was so appropriate and a dream to wear.
Why Recollections?
Word of mouth
Garment Choice
needed for a Victorian tea
1 Company Review
05/23/2023 - ca
great value, shipped on time and very well made outfits for my costuming needs.
Megan - 12/28/2021
Fits very well and super comfortable.
Why Recollections?
We have several Recollections dresses for our staff and volunteers to wear at our victorian museum. I wanted to my own dress, since I wear cosutmes often and knew I would not be disapointed.
Garment Choice
I love the style of the dress and the pattern I chose goes very well with the style. I wanted something a little more fancy, but not too fancy to wear at work events.
12/28/2021 - WI
I accidently ordered the wrong color of the under skirt, and luckily I caught it early enough. They easily changed the color for me!
Andrea - 11/16/2021
The skirt is well constructed and made of quality cotton. It's also simple enough to embellish or wear as-is.
Why Recollections?
The company was well-recommended in the costuming groups I frequent.
Garment Choice
My arthritis made it difficult to sew my own skirts for an event, I decided to purchase them. I was very impressed.
11/16/2021 - AZ
I am pleased with Recollections and plan to purchase other items in the future.
Pamela - 10/03/2021
Best skirt ever. I want one in every color
Why Recollections?
Made in America, small company, and fabulous designs
Garment Choice
I need skirts with pockets that are big enough to be functional.
10/03/2021
Always quick and easy.
Hannah - 10/01/2021
In love with the pockets and feel. The material is flowy enough and the pockets are spacious. It's also breathable and doesn't weigh a ton which is great!
Why Recollections?
I used them for my work outfit when working at a living history museum
Garment Choice
Because i needed Prarie style clothing
10/01/2021 - MI
I thought they were very professional and even held off the package since i said i would not be home during the expected delivery!
Kelle V - 09/22/2021
This skirt is very nice material and will stand up to years of daily wear, I know as I already have two that are a couple years old and look like new still.
Why Recollections?
Like your products and they are well made and good material.
Garment Choice
To add to my daily wardrobe, for everyday wear as well as for special occasions.
09/22/2021 - MT
The skirts and blouse I've already ordered are very nice and the fabrics have stood up nicely to daily use.
Rhiannon - 06/25/2021
I love the more durable fabric, compared to my gauze cotton skirts that wear out too quickly if I machine wash and dry them. This twill skirt actually CAN go in the washer and dryer! Plus it has POCKETS! Yet the thicker, better fabric doesn't weigh it down too much, and it still feels like I'm wearing a flowy skirt. I love it and have already ordered more in different colors!
Why Recollections?
I was doing online searches for maxi skirts in more durable material than gauze cotton and stumbled upon this site purely by the search results. Google for the win!
Garment Choice
I was specifically on the hunt for maxi skirts made in a thicker cotton than gauze, and although this skirt is not tiered (which I prefer), the fact that it's machine wash and dry safe, and has POCKETS, were enough of a selling feature for me to try it anyway. I'm glad I did!
06/25/2021 - CA
I found this company very professional and polite. The customer service person replied to my emails in a prompt manner and the question I had had regarding my order was answered to my satisfaction. I am very pleased with this store and its products and plan on remaining a loyal customer.
Pamela - 05/18/2021
I've got this skirt in multiple colors, and I love them all. It's excellent quality, super sturdy, and the pockets are HUGE! I will be ordering more.
Why Recollections?
Quality, design and it's not mass produced fast fashion
Garment Choice
I needed another skirt and this one has pockets.
05/18/2021
Nicely functional website and uncomplicated ordering process. What's not to love?
Leslie - 01/29/2021
The best skirt purchase.
Why Recollections?
The exact skirt I wanted was found on this site.
Garment Choice
Every one needs a blue twill skirt in their wardrobe.
01/29/2021 - FL
The exact skirt I wanted was found on this site.
Emily N - 04/06/2017
I ordered this skirt in black during the end of year sale. I have never been happier with a skirt in my life! It's long, sturdy, and light, but with just enough fabric to swish about when you walk and make you feel feminine. The pockets are HUGE, and are without a doubt my favorite part of this skirt. It's extremely comfortable, and fits like a dream. Literally the only problem was that when it arrived the elastic waistband was twisted beneath the fabric. Waistbands are an easy fix; just straighten it out and secure it with a few tiny stiches. I was able to do that with the skirt still on my body. I am beyond pleased with this skirt! If I could, I would give it much more than five stars. I'll definitely be buying another (or more)!
04/06/2017 - TX
Perfection! I ordered this skirt (W103) in black during the end of year sale. I have never been happier with a skirt in my life! It's long, sturdy, and light, but with just enough fabric to swish about when you walk and make you feel feminine. The pockets are HUGE, and are without a doubt my favorite part of this skirt. It's extremely comfortable, and fits like a dream. Literally the only problem was that when it arrived the elastic waistband was twisted beneath the fabric. Waistbands are an easy fix; just straighten it out and secure it with a few tiny stiches. I was able to do that with the skirt still on my body. I am beyond pleased with this skirt! If I could, I would give it much more than five stars. I'll definitely be buying another (or more)!
Andrea L - 01/10/2016
I got this in denim, in the 35" length. It is fairly full (but over the extra full crinoline, it would look like a tent covering, so if you want the feeling of a full, full skirt, I'd probably get one of the other twill skirts). The length is a few inches above ankle, like those of dancers when they "affect" a floor length dress (like in some productions of the Nutcracker), and it's very lovely. The only thing to beware of is the denim is very light and very soft. If you want a heavy fabric, the denim option, at least, is not a good choice. Still, it's an attractive, dark denim; well entrenched in the navy camp, but almost looking blue-black-gray at times. Definitely not a "blue jean" denim, and dressier because of it.
Janice C - 12/21/2015
To say I *ADORE* this skirt is putting it mildly. It's comfortable, sturdy but light weight and most importantly it has POCKETS!This is a great basic skirt for anyone who's involved with Live Action Role Play but has neither the time, skill or inclination to sew their own garb. By the time you add together the cost of fabric, notions and the cutting & sewing time (oh how I hate to sew hems) the price is pretty reasonable especially if bought on sale.My current plan is to get this skirt in several colors in both lengths and then I will be set for LARPing, convention-going and everyday wear for a long time to come.
12/21/2015 - TX
Actually worth at least 10 stars!!! To say I *ADORE* this skirt (W103) is putting it mildly. It's comfortable, sturdy but light weight and most importantly it has POCKETS! This is a great basic skirt for anyone who's involved with Live Action Role Play but has neither the time, skill or inclination to sew their own garb. By the time you add together the cost of fabric, notions and the cutting & sewing time (oh how I hate to sew hems) the price is pretty reasonable especially if bought on sale. My current plan is to get this skirt in several colors in both lengths and then I will be set for LARPing, convention-going and everyday wear for a long time to come.
Elizabeth - 10/14/2015
I ordered this skirt in Navy, and am very pleased with the quality. The material is on the heavy side, but I love it!!! It doesn't wrinkle easily, is very durable, and makes me feel like a lovely lady. Thanks!
Lisa P - 10/20/2014
I bought this skirt,and ordered it in denim. It's an easy little skirt for every day,or dressed up for church! Grab and go! Good quality too! You won't be disappointed. Lisa
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