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!
08/04/2019
Customer satisfaction and goodwill were more important than pushing sales, and ensured my loyalty.
Why Recollections?
Was seeking vintage fashions.
Garment Choice
To replace one I already had.
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.
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.
08/04/2019
Quick easy
Garment Choice
For my wedding
Why Recollections?
Loved the hat
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.
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
08/04/2019
good
Why Recollections?
previously ordered items with satisfaction
Garment Choice
gift
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.....
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
08/03/2019
Easy, convenient ordering system.
Why Recollections?
Consistently high quality on past orders and price.
Garment Choice
Costume for a play production.
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!
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.
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.
08/01/2019
It's easy!
Why Recollections?
Quality
Garment Choice
I am in a cemetery walk.
08/01/2019
I called and was given great directions
Why Recollections?
Event
Garment Choice
Its beautiful, i hope it works out
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.
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
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.
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.
07/30/2019
Fantastic customer service and gorgeous pieces!
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