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!
3,112 Verified Customer Reviews
3,112 Customer Ratings and Reviews
Shopper Approved collects trusted reviews from customers who have made a verified purchase.
4.8
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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!
09/21/2015 , TX
My Favorite Gown so far!
I have been waiting for the perfect bustled ball gown and this is it (80217-8-9R)! I got this in cinnamon color and it is the most beautiful dress I have from Recollections. The fit is so flattering and the details on the dress are amazing with the lace, the fringe and the beads. Love the bustle. I can't wait to wear it. Well worth the price!
1 Product Review
09/21/2015
I have been waiting for the perfect bustled ball gown and this is it! I got this in cinnamon color and it is the most beautiful dress I have from Recollections. The fit is so flattering and the details on the dress are amazing with the lace, the fringe and the beads. Love the bustle. I can't wait to wear it. Well worth the price!
09/16/2015 , PA
Such a BEAUTIFUL piece and on such short notice
This is my first Revolutionary War piece (140889-4811). I have an event this Saturday and had nothing to wear.The workmanship on this piece is fabulous and they promised that it would arrive by the 15th and it did. I am so thrilled that Recollections offers Revolutionary War garb.Please make more. As always, not only is your work wonderful but your customer service CANNOT be matched for efficiency.
09/16/2015
This is my first Revolutionary War piece. I have an event this Saturday and had nothing to wear.The workmanship on this piece is fabulous and they promised that it would arrive by the 15th and it did. I am so thrilled that Recollections offers Revolutionary War garb.Please make more. As always, not only is your work wonderful but your customer service CANNOT be matched for efficiency.
08/19/2015 , GA
Perfect!
Just received my blouse in navy. The size was perfect. The workmanship was perfect. My expectations were greatly exceeded. Can't wait to wear it with my blue calico skirt at our next reenactment.
08/19/2015
Just received my blouse in navy. The size was perfect. The workmanship was perfect. My expectations were greatly exceeded. Can't wait to wear it with my blue calico skirt at our next reenactment.
08/13/2015 , MD
Extremely Satisfied
Just received and tried this on (790SK-791SK). The item fits perfectly, the quality is exceptional and I am looking forward to the event I bought this for with even more anticipation thanks to the excellent craftsmanship and quality of this item. Thank You so much.
08/13/2015
Just received and tried this on. The item fits perfectly, the quality is exceptional and I am looking forward to the event I bought this for with even more anticipation thanks to the excellent craftsmanship and quality of this item. Thank You so much.
07/31/2015 , Ontario
Beautiful Dress!
I just received this dress (130210-1) in the mail today and I'm so excited! I ordered a size small and was a bit worried that I might have to have it altered, I take a size 6 dress, but it fits perfectly! The cotton lace is quality material and I really like that it is made in America. You can't find quality clothing like this nowadays.
It looks nice without a petticoat but if you want to go for a more formal look I would recommend buying the black one from this shop.
I'm extremely satisfied with this being my first purchase and plan on ordering more in the future. I can't wait until the fall/winter so I can wear this out and about. Simply stunning.
P.S. To any fans of the show Penny Dreadful-this reminded me of one of Vanessa's gowns and was the inspiration for me purchasing it. Great job ladies, love it!
07/31/2015
I just received this dress in the mail today and I'm so excited! I ordered a size small and was a bit worried that I might have to have it altered, I take a size 6 dress, but it fits perfectly! The cotton lace is quality material and I really like that it is made in America. You can't find quality clothing like this nowadays. It looks nice without a petticoat but if you want to go for a more formal look I would recommend buying the black one from this shop. I'm extremely satisfied with this being my first purchase and plan on ordering more in the future. I can't wait until the fall/winter so I can wear this out and about. Simply stunning. P.S. To any fans of the show Penny Dreadful-this reminded me of one of Vanessa's gowns and was the inspiration for me purchasing it. Great job ladies, love it!
07/31/2015 , VT
Stunning Blouse
My wife received this beautiful blouse today and she is beyond happy. The blouse is excellent quality, well finished and the fit is perfect,she would be only to happy to recommend this blouse to her friends. Job well done Recollections.
07/31/2015
My wife received this beautiful blouse today and she is beyond happy. The blouse is excellent quality, well finished and the fit is perfect,she would be only to happy to recommend this blouse to her friends. Job well done Recollections.
07/20/2015 , CA
BEAUTIFUL!
The quality of this dress (81100) is AMAZING. This is the third dress I have bought from Recollections. They all have been PERFECT. The time they spend to make the dress shows in all the detail. These are not your typical costume dresses. These are quality fabric, embellishments, and lace.
I can not recommend this dress or this company enough. It fits like a glove and looks great, very flattering on a pear shape body, like myself.
07/20/2015
The quality of this dress is AMAZING. This is the third dress I have bought from Recollections. They all have been PERFECT. The time they spend to make the dress shows in all the detail. These are not your typical costume dresses. These are quality fabric, embellishments, and lace.I can not recommend this dress or this company enough. It fits like a glove and looks great, very flattering on a pear shape body, like myself.
07/06/2015 , TX
Marcella Victorian Polonaise Dress
This makes my 5th gown purchased from Recollections, and I have loved every one of them. They are delivered when promised. I'm always getting compliments at the reenactments we attend.
The Marcella gown is stunning; Love it!
07/06/2015
This makes my 5th gown purchased from Recollections, and I have loved every one of them. They are delivered when promised. I'm always getting compliments at the reenactments we attend.The Marcella gown is stunning; Love it!
06/30/2015 , MT
Don't worry, you'll be gorgeous!
I purchased this gorgeous gown for a local Civil War themed ball. I have ordered pieces from these ladies before and I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't wrong!! Not only the silhouette of this dress is beautiful but the craftsmanship as well! Buy with confidence!!!
06/30/2015
I purchased this gorgeous gown for a local Civil War themed ball. I have ordered pieces from these ladies before and I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't wrong!! Not only the silhouette of this dress is beautiful but the craftsmanship as well! Buy with confidence!!!
05/18/2015 , TN
1861 Girls School
My granddaughter is attending a week long school. A former students parent recommended this hoop. It is wonderful. The flounces keep the bones from showing through light weight material and you don't need an additional peddicoat..I got one for myself. It is good for day wear and ball gowns!!!
I did replace the round drawstring with a flat white boot shoe string. More comfortable.
05/18/2015
My granddaughter is attending a week long school. A former students parent recommended this hoop. It is wonderful. The flounces keep the bones from showing through light weight material and you don't need an additional peddicoat..I got one for myself. It is good for day wear and ball gowns!!!I did replace the round drawstring with a flat white boot shoe string. More comfortable.
04/30/2015 , MT
Elegant
I wore this copper colored velvet polonaise with a black bobbinette skirt, black boots, black gloves, heavy gold Victorian jewelry, gold beaded bag, and the the little brown and peach hat pictured with it on the Recollections site. I also added a small bustle. The jacket draped beautifully over the bustle and is simply the most elegant jacket I own. You will be the center of attention in an outfit featuring this jacket. I also found it to be very comfortable to wear.
04/30/2015
I wore this copper colored velvet polonaise with a black bobbinette skirt, black boots, black gloves, heavy gold Victorian jewelry, gold beaded bag, and the the little brown and peach hat pictured with it on the Recollections site. I also added a small bustle. The jacket draped beautifully over the bustle and is simply the most elegant jacket I own. You will be the center of attention in an outfit featuring this jacket. I also found it to be very comfortable to wear.
04/06/2015 , MT
A Show Stopper
This ensemble (140811-120914)is elegant, comfortable to wear, and very attention getting. It has that Civil War era military look with the gold fringe. The cut of the jacket and fullness of the hoop skirt enhance the waistline beautifully. I added hat, belt, ear bobs, pin, mitts, and reticule, and the outfit just shone. I got many, many compliments.
03/24/2015 , NV
Fabulous
I bought the whole "Misha" outfit. I'm playing the first woman Pinkerton Agent in our theactrical troupe, who was one of the first secret service agents to guard Pres. Lincoln. This is the perfect outfit. It fits perfectly and the quality is fabulous. Thank you Recollections!
Sandy
03/24/2015
I bought the whole "Misha" outfit. I'm playing the first woman Pinkerton Agent in our theactrical troupe, who was one of the first secret service agents to guard Pres. Lincoln. This is the perfect outfit. It fits perfectly and the quality is fabulous. Thank you Recollections!Sandy
03/18/2015 , GLoucestershire
flattering & versatile
This is such a flattering and versatile top (1033). The roomy big puff sleeves give a smaller waist illusion and the flare at the bottom just right when worn over a walking skirt. I liked this jacket so much I bought a second and I wear both often.
03/18/2015
This is such a flattering and versatile top. The roomy big puff sleeves give a smaller waist illusion and the flare at the bottom just right when worn over a walking skirt. I liked this jacket so much I bought a second and I wear both often.
02/18/2015 , IL
Black boots
Even though I have had surgeries on both my feet,I can not wear high heels without pain. Since I do historical presentations in 1900's dresses, I decided to buy these lovely ankle boots. I can move about or stand in these all day and my feet are just fine. What a miracle! My other alternative was to wear black gym shoes which aren't exactly period perfect. I am so glad that I gave these a try.
02/17/2015 , CA
mtshastagirl
I love this set (100744-4913V). The material is good quality and well made. It is a beautiful outfit which I wore for my 19th Century Themed wedding in Virginia City. I received compliments all day long from strangers who admired the outfit and was photographed by strangers all day long. It is comfortable. The only suggestion I have is to have the elastic at the waist very tight. The skirt is very heavy and kept slipping down. I spent the day pulling the skirt up which I will have tightened before I wear it again.
02/17/2015
I love this set. The material is good quality and well made. It is a beautiful outfit which I wore for my 19th Century Themed wedding in Virginia City. I received compliments all day long from strangers who admired the outfit and was photographed by strangers all day long. It is comfortable. The only suggestion I have is to have the elastic at the waist very tight. The skirt is very heavy and kept slipping down. I spent the day pulling the skirt up which I will have tightened before I wear it again.
02/13/2015 , KY
American quality!
Amazing! I have been looking at this dress (90397)for awhile but never sure about any of the fabrics because I was looking for a light blue print. At Christmas they had a special fabric called "Vintage Rose" which was EXACTLY what I was looking for! I ordered right away. I wasn't sure which size because I seemed to fall between a S and XS so I ordered a S and sent in all of my measurements. I was surprised to receive an email from customer service saying that I'd be better suited to an XS. Now THAT'S customer service!
The dress itself is very well made - I was surprised that this style was actually figure flattering on me. The fabric is really nice too; it's definitely not your usual run of the mill thin calico fabric.
Order this - you won't be sorry! The historical society I'm a member of has a Jane Austen tea every year so now I have something to wear when I volunteer to help out.
Definitely will return to Recollections for more items in the future.
02/13/2015
Amazing! I have been looking at this dress for awhile but never sure about any of the fabrics because I was looking for a light blue print. At Christmas they had a special fabric called "Vintage Rose" which was EXACTLY what I was looking for! I ordered right away. I wasn't sure which size because I seemed to fall between a S and XS so I ordered a S and sent in all of my measurements. I was surprised to receive an email from customer service saying that I'd be better suited to an XS. Now THAT'S customer service!The dress itself is very well made - I was surprised that this style was actually figure flattering on me. The fabric is really nice too; it's definitely not your usual run of the mill thin calico fabric.Order this - you won't be sorry! The historical society I'm a member of has a Jane Austen tea every year so now I have something to wear when I volunteer to help out.Definitely will return to Recollections for more items in the future.
02/04/2015 , CA
WOW - Love this dress
This is my second dress from Recollections and i can only say the quality is AMAZING!!! These are made incredibly well!! I'm buying my THIRD dress in a couple of weeks - wish we REALLY did live in the 1800's - THANKS so much!! :o)
01/19/2015 , WA
My wedding hat!
I fell in love with this hat from the moment I saw it, and I knew I wanted to build my bridal look around this look. The hat is very well, made elegant and exquisite! I wanted to wear a fingertip veil with my Victorian wedding dress, so, as a seamstress my self, I bustled up the attached veil on the hat and sewed my veil onto the hat, underneath the bustle. The hat is such high quality, it was a piece of cake to work with, and to wear. I got TONS of remarks on my wedding day just on the hat alone! Thank you Recollections!
12/04/2014 , PA
Stunning!
I purchased this outfit (80966-636) in the dark green for a Christmas event where I play the piano in a fabulous 1860's mansion ballroom. It was perfect. The workmanship was exquisite and attention to detail perfect. If you watch the sales you can get a wonderful outfit reasonably priced. Customer service was wonderful as well. Calculate your measurements as this is fitted at the hips.
12/04/2014
I purchased this outfit in the dark green for a Christmas event where I play the piano in a fabulous 1860's mansion ballroom. It was perfect. The workmanship was exquisite and attention to detail perfect. If you watch the sales you can get a wonderful outfit reasonably priced. Customer service was wonderful as well. Calculate your measurements as this is fitted at the hips.
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