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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L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Laura
08/04/2019

Customer satisfaction and goodwill were more important than pushing sales, and ensured my loyalty.

Customer Service
5/5

Why Recollections?

Was seeking vintage fashions.

Garment Choice

To replace one I already had.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Migdalia
08/04/2019

So far, I loved the ease of shopping online with this company. Loved the choices and the fact that items are made here in the US!

Why Recollections?

I was eagerly searching for a site that sold Victorian clothing to supplement the ones I make myself, and I hit the jack pot with this site! Cant wait to get the order!

Garment Choice

Because I am adding to my summer Victorian outfits for various events in my Victorian home.


A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Adele
08/04/2019

All's well so far... wishing that shipping were not so costly, but it is what it is.

Why Recollections?

You have something that I think I will like and will fit the event for wearing it.

Garment Choice

Like the color, style, and am hoping it will fit and look good, too.


D
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Delyne
08/04/2019

Quick easy

Garment Choice

For my wedding

Why Recollections?

Loved the hat


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Linda A.
08/04/2019

Since I am a DAR member I am always looking for Revolutionary war era clothing.

Why Recollections?

Have ordered other items and have been very pleased with them.

Garment Choice

Needed a belt.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Marcia
08/04/2019

Great website, easy to navigate!

Why Recollections?

Need period clothing for a 5-day event in Deadwood, SD.

Garment Choice

Liked the look and style and needed Victorian garments


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Mary
08/04/2019

good

Why Recollections?

previously ordered items with satisfaction

Garment Choice

gift


C
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Christine
08/03/2019

Love the clothes that you make....if I've had a problem it has always been taken care of to my satisfaction...It is a pleasure doing business with Recollections...!!

Christine

Garment Choice

Loved the style

Why Recollections?

I needed a Victorian Dress.....


J
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Julie
08/03/2019

Hoping the material and quality is excellent - hard to tell when shopping online.

Garment Choice

Needing a victorian dress for a Constitution Day Parade


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kate
08/03/2019

Easy, convenient ordering system.

Why Recollections?

Consistently high quality on past orders and price.

Garment Choice

Costume for a play production.


H
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Hannah
08/02/2019

Wonderful choices!

Garment Choice

For a formal occasion

Why Recollections?

There are very few options for feminine, modest clothing and you have several lovely choices!


K
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Kathy
08/02/2019

Easy with this order.

Why Recollections?

They have made lots of things for me.

Garment Choice

Looked befor-and now on sale.


S
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Sandra
08/02/2019

This is my 3rd order from you. I love this outfit. I will continue to buy more of them. Same outfit. Just different patterns. Would love to see more calico materials in different colors.

Why Recollections?

I like being able to find the old style clothing. I'm 68 yrs old. It's hard to find clothes that are comfortable. Clothes that actually fit. Even if you find something you like in a store somewhere, more than likely, it won't come in my size.

Garment Choice

The shirt is loose in the arms, the chest, the waist. Not restricting. The skirt is long, it's loose at the bottom. It's easy to move around in. I just feel free to do what ever I need to do when I wear this. I will wear this outfit in different colors and calico prints every day of the year. It's simple. But I feel special when I wear it.


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Linda
08/01/2019

It's easy!

Why Recollections?

Quality

Garment Choice

I am in a cemetery walk.


A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Alejandra
08/01/2019

I called and was given great directions

Why Recollections?

Event

Garment Choice

Its beautiful, i hope it works out


L
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Linda
07/31/2019

Very convenient and reviews were good. However, hoping to receive my order in less than 5 weeks.

Garment Choice

For a Halloween costume party

Why Recollections?

You seem to carry the most accurate WWI nurse uniform.


N
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Nancy
07/31/2019

I've been shopping with Recollections for many years - always happy with the service and clothing

Why Recollections?

Returning customer

Garment Choice

It's a nice addition to my Recollections wardrobe


T
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Tiah
07/31/2019

Smooth.

Why Recollections?

I love the quality of items I've purchased so far.

Garment Choice

To go with my beaded red and black corset.


M
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Marie A.
07/30/2019

Information was readily available. Click here, click there! :)

Why Recollections?

Best designs I have come across.

Garment Choice

I have different events/teas to attend that cover different eras in history.


A
Shopper Approved - Verified Customer Anna
07/30/2019

Fantastic customer service and gorgeous pieces!


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