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!
3,089 Verified Customer Reviews
3,089 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!
09/26/2019
I have shopped with Recollections before and the quality of their work is out standing.
Why Recollections?
I have been a repeat customer and they make quality work that will stand up to reenactor standards.
Garment Choice
I am looking to create a particular costume. It must meet standards of acceptable historical accuracy without breaking the bank (I have had other projects where breaking the bank was not an issue and the designer who collaborated with me contacts me for permission to make another copy to sell every now and then). My last major project with Recollections was an outstanding success. A caveat, this period of clothing is extremely very difficult to fit. The undergarments make all of the difference. I was a lot smaller the last time I bought an outfit here. Without the correct underpinnings the blouse looked way too small, I could not even bring the front together. Once corseted, the blouse fit perfectly. Other companies offer sizing without consideration of proper underpinnings and without consideration to the outlines appropriate to the period. I am hoping that this garment will fulfill its roll as well as the last outfit I purchased here. And I hope that it arrives early enough that I have time to make any corrections in the rare case that any are needed.
09/26/2019
Great selection!
Why Recollections?
Recollections had the style of dress that I needed at an affordable price.
Garment Choice
I volunteer at a living history museum and I needed a historically accurate dress for when I do tours.
09/26/2019
I spend hours browsing your on-line catalogue!
Why Recollections?
I've been impressed with the product variety, authenticity, reasonable pricing and the organization of the company. I'm a seamstress too, so appreciate any cottage industry that has global impact.
Garment Choice
This blouse will combine with a previous skirt to create a stunning December holiday gown. Ordering end of September gives plenty of time for production!
09/25/2019
Very easy site to look around in. I do wish however when you clicked on a swatch of material you saw the whole dress made in that material.
Why Recollections?
Family suggested this site.
Garment Choice
Need it for a Victorian themed wedding for a family member.
09/25/2019
I love Recollections. I tell all my Mrs. Claus friends. Shopping is easy.
Why Recollections?
Love the styles.
Garment Choice
I have been watching this dress for awhile and the price said yes.
09/25/2019
Excellent
Garment Choice
For the suffragette movment
09/25/2019
Special event to go to and wanted something better than a costume.
Why Recollections?
Product and selection
Garment Choice
Dress looked simple and could be made to be tea dress or with proper jewelry for dinner.
09/24/2019 , Noord-Holland
Be sure to check your size. A US size medium, is way bigger then a EU size medium. Shipping costs are rather substatial and delivery time of 7 weeks is in my opinion long and i still have to make alterations myself.
Why Recollections?
Choices and quality of fabrics.
Garment Choice
My style and needs
09/24/2019
I've been looking for these for over a year a beyond excited to be able to wear it
Why Recollections?
I saw it online
Garment Choice
Looks retro
09/24/2019
Yay
Why Recollections?
For Halloween party: Wild West
Garment Choice
I will be Miss Kitty
09/22/2019 , AZ
I was a bit concerned about this order. It was for straight yardage and I expected to get it much quicker than it arrived. Other than that it was fine.
09/22/2019 , ON
great
Garment Choice
to go with steampunk corset
Why Recollections?
internet
09/22/2019
Ordering is quite easy. Website easy to navigate.
Just one suggestion about the hats though - state whether a hat pin is necessary with each one.
Garment Choice
It's easy on and easy off, and nice and cool for the summertime. I already have one of theses dresses and always get complements on it. Washes very nicely!
Why Recollections?
Have ordered many items in the past, and find the quality of materials and workmanship is excellent. I like that they are made in the USA.
09/22/2019
Very easy
Garment Choice
Style
09/21/2019
You had what I needed and it was very easy to order it online!
Why Recollections?
Because their clothing is "Period" correct, well made, and beautiful!
Garment Choice
For reenacting.
09/20/2019 , TX
All Recollections clothing are made with meticulous detail and high quality fabric. I've bought many items for several years and been impressed every time!
Why Recollections?
Because I've been coming back year after year and been totally delighted every time!!
Garment Choice
I'm going to wear it for a pioneer festival
09/20/2019 , CT
Always great clothes, great service, made in USA
Why Recollections?
See above.
Garment Choice
Adding to collection of Victorian outfits.
09/20/2019 , OH
I have shopped at this site for costumes for years and very please with the results and timely matter.
Garment Choice
i chose the regency costume to do volunteer work at a musuem
Why Recollections?
wide sorts of costumes for the occasion.
09/20/2019
Really beautiful dresses, great to see the shots from different angles. Would like to see them in various colors and/or a mention of which color dress the model is wearing.
Why Recollections?
Because you have the prettiest clothes
Garment Choice
Because I teach field trips of classes about what life was like in that era.
09/19/2019 , NV
Always easy to shop at Recollections
Why Recollections?
Been buying from here for a very long time
Garment Choice
like the color and in my size.
Why Trust Verified Reviews?
Verified Reviews are real, authentic reviews collected from actual paying customers, using Shopper Approved's Verified Review Platform. When reviews are Verified by Shopper Approved, you know that you can trust them to make better buying decisions.
Unverified Reviews on the other hand, are reviews collected by Open Review platforms that allow anyone to leave a review, without any validation or proof of purchase. Unfortunately, most reviews you read online are Unverified Reviews, and can't be trusted.
As a consumer, here's how you can tell the difference:
Verified Reviews from Verified Review Platforms like Shopper Approved, have much higher review counts and higher overall Star ratings, because they attempt to collect reviews from every single paying customer.
Unverified Reviews from Open Review Platforms, tend to have much lower review counts and more negative Star ratings, because people with bad experiences are primarily those who leave reviews. This often creates a misleading, inaccurate portrayal of a companies true reputation.
So, when searching for Verified Reviews, look for the name you know you can trust. Shopper Approved.
Are you a Business?
See What Shopper Approved
Can Do For You