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!
3,113 Verified Customer Reviews
3,113 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!
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!
07/28/2019
Love the Christmas apron! I am looking forward to wearing it for our Pioneer Christmas event.
Why Recollections?
Needed period clothing.
Garment Choice
Love the touch of festivity for Christmas!
07/26/2019
Easy to use site. Love it!
Why Recollections?
Special event accessory only available here for a reasonable price and quality.
07/26/2019
i love shopping at Recollections, it is addictive.
Garment Choice
Hostessing a party in my Victorian home.
Why Recollections?
Attention to details and period correct in design.
07/25/2019
Thank you.
Why Recollections?
This is my third outfit from Recollections. I love the attention to detail as well as the prices.
Garment Choice
Because I have a "Remember the Titanic" gathering later this year and when I got the flyer for the Luella, it looked perfect.
07/25/2019
Have ordered from you before 100% satisfied. Thank you
Garment Choice
Need another vest for my caroling skirt and blouse. Also have to replace my hoop for civil war outfits.
Why Recollections?
Previous order
07/25/2019
fine
Why Recollections?
price
Garment Choice
I docent at a Civil War museum
07/25/2019
Ordering has been extremely easy. No problems at this time. I have ordered before without any difficulties.
Why Recollections?
I have used them before and find the items I am looking for.
Garment Choice
I need a pioneer dress and bonnet. Not too fancy but like the looks of this dress and bonnet.
07/25/2019
I love that I can visit this website and find costumes for every time period.
Why Recollections?
Easy to locate items that I need.
Garment Choice
I needed a dress from the Regency period. As an English teacher I enjoy showing my students literary time periods.
07/24/2019
Love my new outfit! Very comfortable and looks good!
Why Recollections?
Recommended by one of your other customers.
Garment Choice
Least expensive and simple.
07/24/2019
Great selection, always well made!
Beautiful fabrics and patterns. Love them! A guilty pleasure!
Garment Choice
It’s Fancy... she said in an Irish Accent!
Why Recollections?
I ordered before, loved my dress
07/24/2019
My questions were answered promptly and to my satisfaction. The ordering was easy. My friend was right!
Why Recollections?
My friend highly recommended you.
Garment Choice
It is a beautiful, simple style. Very elegant.
07/21/2019
easy shopping clearly marked
Garment Choice
simple lines and lovely material
Why Recollections?
internet search. had the right period
07/18/2019 , AL
Easy to find and select what I needed.
Why Recollections?
Accurate outfits for Civil War. Most importantly, Made in the USA!
Garment Choice
The two items were purchased to complete my outfit that is used to portray a Union widow in my city's annual Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll.
07/18/2019 , ME
Love the fabric options
Why Recollections?
I was looking for an old fashioned dress for my daughter as a gift.
Garment Choice
She chose it.
07/18/2019
I found just the right Victorian dress I need for a melodrama I'm in this fall. No time for sewing these days, so Recollections is the right place to go! I am always pleased. My daughter always has to do some alterations but the merchandise is wonderful.
Why Recollections?
I like your website!
Garment Choice
Fits the "plan"--right color choice, size and style.
07/18/2019
Easy to work with
Why Recollections?
Been a customer for several years
Garment Choice
Doing Carriage Driving and need a vest
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