recollections.biz 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!

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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 Shopper Approved - Review Star
2660
(86.1%)
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
310
(10%)
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
89
(2.9%)
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
15
(0.5%)

Customer Service
4.7
5 Shopper Approved - Review Star
290
4 Shopper Approved - Review Star
29
3 Shopper Approved - Review Star
8
2 Shopper Approved - Review Star
5
1 Shopper Approved - Review Star
9
SHOW DETAILS

5-star reviews
2,500+

5-star reviews

6 years collecting 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!

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H
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Holly
09/04/2019

Website was really easy to navigate and all the answers are available for questions you may have.

Why Recollections?

The quality and selection

Garment Choice

For the “All Hallows Eve” ball


B
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer B.A.M
09/04/2019

very good

Why Recollections?

love the dresses, great service

Garment Choice

Love double puff sleeves


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kathy
09/04/2019

Ordering was easy.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Marcella
09/03/2019 , NC

Great dress, ordering was easy, friendly help, great prices.

Why Recollections?

Best, most historically correct with out looking like a cheap costume.

Garment Choice

Our Church is celebrating 200 years. As the Rector's wife I felt it is important to represent the Church at the time of it's founding in 1820.


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Jeannie
09/03/2019 , CA

Great. The product was beautiful and received it on time.

Why Recollections?

Recommended

Garment Choice

event


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Joan E.
09/03/2019

So far so good!

Garment Choice

To complete outfits already purchased from Recollections.


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer connie
09/02/2019

Easy ordering

Why Recollections?

Our school recommended

Garment Choice

School function and I loved the print


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer JEANETTE
09/02/2019

Easy, quick, honest with sizing and fun!

Garment Choice

I have been looking for a white, stately, elegant blouse to wear under my business suits for many, many years. Trying to locate a long-sleeved blouse with ruffle sleeves seemed next to impossible, unless hiring a tailor to make one, hand-made for $800! Thanks for breaking my curse! :-D

Why Recollections?

Thank the Lord I've found a clothing website with items made in the USA!


E
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Elaine
09/02/2019

Easy to navigate site. Great photos enhance ideas for use of clothing. Previous purchases well worth the money.

Why Recollections?

Past happy customer!

Garment Choice

I am expanding my historic living history acting to include Betsy Ross


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Marie
09/02/2019

Easy and lots of choices.

Why Recollections?

My daughter orders from you for her mardi gras balls

Garment Choice

Loose in the stomach area.


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Jennifer
09/01/2019

I've had a good experience shopping with Recollections. It is fun to dress as a Victorian lady and volunteer at Heritage House in Riverside. Thank you!

Why Recollections?

Good service & choice of clothing.

Garment Choice

They are part of the Victorian era.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Mandi
08/31/2019 , TX

Love Love LOVE everything I've ever ordered !!!

Why Recollections?

Best made period ladies fashions bar none!!!

Garment Choice

On Clearance today


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Shawna
08/31/2019

They always get my order right, ship fast and the quality of the dresses is unmatched for the price! Totally satisfied I tell everyone I know about Recollections

Garment Choice

Re-enactmentneeds

Why Recollections?

Because of the price and quality of work


E
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Eleanor
08/31/2019

All good.


A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Agena
08/30/2019

It took a few minutes to get used to the website, but I got the hang of it.

Why Recollections?

I have been very impressed with the styles that are available and that the garments are well marked for the period.

Garment Choice

Classic design, with lovely details. Will elevate my wardrobe for Edwardian events.


T
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Thomas
08/30/2019

beautiful website

Garment Choice

style and color choices

Why Recollections?

price is reasonable and the section is really good


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Laurie
08/30/2019

good so far!

Why Recollections?

price

Garment Choice

authenticity for Gold Rush era


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Jessica
08/29/2019

It was pretty great. I was worried about my dress being ready on time due to waiting a tad too long to order. It was done even sooner than first estimated.

Why Recollections?

I had a Victorian era larp to attend and they had the best selection and prices for what I was wanting.

Garment Choice

I was in a larp with a character who was working class. Most of the Victorian costuming out there tends to assume people want to look wealthy and I needed something for someone who was an average person in 1897. It's one of the few resources out there for that.


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Sauti
08/29/2019

Helped me choose correct size and pick shoes to match

Customer Service
5/5

Garment Choice

Over the loom on model and that it had short sleeves and cost was great

Why Recollections?

Quality and custom ordering


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Susan
08/29/2019 , CT

This is my second dress that I've ordered from Recollections. I'm a fiddler in an 18th century band, so my recent purchase replaced a "commoners" outfit. The new outfit is wonderful, fits perfectly and I'll be fiddling in style from now on!
I'd like to see more historical information for your products, such as period appropriate hats and other garments for 18th century.

Why Recollections?

I chose Recollections for the great, easy to use website and their wonderful customer service.

Garment Choice

This garment is appropriate for 18th century dances.


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