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
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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!
11/22/2014 , Vastmanland
Such a pretty skirt!
This skirt (2075) is so pretty! I absolutely love it and when I wear it I get so many compliments! All your clothes are wonderful and I have bought several skirts, dresses and blouses!
1 Product Review
11/22/2014
This skirt is so pretty! I absolutely love it and when I wear it I get so many compliments! All your clothes are wonderful and I have bought several skirts, dresses and blouses!
10/20/2014 , Saskatchewan (SK)
Multi-use Aprons
I ordered at least 4 of these aprons with the express purpose of using them as summer sun dresses. They turned out very serviceable in our hot summer. When the weather finally cooled off, I added a tee shirt or blouse and used them as jumpers. My only suggestion would be to offer a choice of buttons. My old fingers find the tiny flat ones difficult to grasp. And I would just like more variety since I have this same button on many of your clothes. I am probably the only person in the world who wears your clothing as a regular thing at home. I accidentally was born in the wrong century.
10/20/2014
I ordered at least 4 of these aprons with the express purpose of using them as summer sun dresses. They turned out very serviceable in our hot summer. When the weather finally cooled off, I added a tee shirt or blouse and used them as jumpers. My only suggestion would be to offer a choice of buttons. My old fingers find the tiny flat ones difficult to grasp. And I would just like more variety since I have this same button on many of your clothes. I am probably the only person in the world who wears your clothing as a regular thing at home. I accidentally was born in the wrong century.
10/14/2014 , WV
Fabulous is not the word
My Corrrina dress arrived yesterday. So beautiful. I can not believe the quality of your fabric and sewing. Packaging and shipping are just the best. Everyone there is so helpful. This dress is just beautiful ....mine is in copper and black. Fits so we'll........and best of all it is American Made. Thanks to all.....you have a regular customer.
10/14/2014
My Corrrina dress arrived yesterday. So beautiful. I can not believe the quality of your fabric and sewing. Packaging and shipping are just the best. Everyone there is so helpful. This dress is just beautiful ....mine is in copper and black. Fits so we'll........and best of all it is American Made. Thanks to all.....you have a regular customer.
10/06/2014 , PA
Comfortable, authentic and simply elegant
I purchased this ensemble (121125-6-7) for an event over the weekend. Not only is this ensemble beautiful, its comfortable. The workmanship and detail are top gun. This is my third Edwardian purchase from Recollections and it wont be my last. Very pleased. Thank you Recollections !!!!!
10/06/2014
I purchased this ensemble for an event over the weekend. Not only is this ensemble beautiful, its comfortable. The workmanship and detail are top gun. This is my third Edwardian purchase from Recollections and it wont be my last. Very pleased. Thank you Recollections !!!!!
09/28/2014 , FL
Great service. Great ensemble
I am so pleased with my Marielle ensemble. I needed by a certain date and it arrived 1 WEEK earlier. Prior to the shipping, I was advised that the items measured a bit more than my personal measurements. I took Recollections' advisement and my outfit is a perfect fit. Can't say enough to reflect how pleased I am! Thank you!
09/28/2014
I am so pleased with my Marielle ensemble. I needed by a certain date and it arrived 1 WEEK earlier. Prior to the shipping, I was advised that the items measured a bit more than my personal measurements. I took Recollections' advisement and my outfit is a perfect fit. Can't say enough to reflect how pleased I am! Thank you!
09/15/2014 , WV
I'M IMPRESSED
Today I received this dress (41008) along with some other items from Recollections. Thanks to the staff for E-mailing me to make sure I ordered just the right size (it was perfect) The quality of the material and the sewing was a surprise. What a value, I love this dress. I will be ordering more from this company.
09/15/2014
Received this item today. Well made. Good quality material. Love it thanks.
09/15/2014
Love these gloves fit well and are comfortable..looking forward to sporting them about Salem-Town this Halloween
09/15/2014
Today I received this dress along with some other items from Recollections. Thanks to the staff for E-mailing me to make sure I ordered just the right size (it was perfect) The quality of the material and the sewing was a surprise. What a value, I love this dress. I will be ordering more from this company.
09/14/2014 , NE
Beautiful Corrina outfit!
I ordered two Corrina outfits in copper and red.
They are wonderful! I get so many complements on them,
and they are very comfortable to wear. I especially love
the style, so Victorian. I would love to have this outfit
in every color!
09/14/2014
I ordered two Corrina outfits in copper and red.They are wonderful! I get so many complements on them,and they are very comfortable to wear. I especially lovethe style, so Victorian. I would love to have this outfitin every color!
09/06/2014 , Wellington
Tempest Suit
I ordered this suit (110432-103W)for my wedding and felt so special on my wedding day. Everything about the the ensemble is number one and my girlfriends raved about the quality and finish.
Thank you Recollections.
09/06/2014
I ordered this suit for my wedding and felt so special on my wedding day. Everything about the the ensemble is number one and my girlfriends raved about the quality and finish. Thank you Recollections.
08/10/2014 , Alberta
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Since receiving my first Eden Polonaise my family have ordered two more for a total of THREE! This is a beautiful Polonaise with lots of top quality fabric and and tons of beautiful soft lace used in its making. Beautiful construction with all seams finished. Easy care as well, wash in cold water on gentle I then put it in the dryer on air fluff for 30min (NO HEAT) then hang to dry the result is very little touch up ironing needed. A very mix and matchable piece for your Victorian wardrobe!
08/10/2014
Since receiving my first Eden Polonaise my family have ordered two more for a total of THREE! This is a beautiful Polonaise with lots of top quality fabric and and tons of beautiful soft lace used in its making. Beautiful construction with all seams finished. Easy care as well, wash in cold water on gentle I then put it in the dryer on air fluff for 30min (NO HEAT) then hang to dry the result is very little touch up ironing needed. A very mix and matchable piece for your Victorian wardrobe!
08/08/2014 , CA
Quality and versatile
I ordered this costume (131200-1) for a theatrical production I did and it is well made and beautiful. I use it for various themed events and it draws compliments all around. I am plus sized (2x) and it fits perfectly and is flattering. The skirt and jacket can both be used with other pieces. A great price for such a good ensemble. This is the fourth outfit I have gotten from Reccolections and I have never been disappointed.
08/08/2014
I ordered this costume for a theatrical production I did and it is well made and beautiful. I use it for various themed events and it draws compliments all around. I am plus sized (2x) and it fits perfectly and is flattering. The skirt and jacket can both be used with other pieces. A great price for such a good ensemble. This is the fourth outfit I have gotten from Reccolections and I have never been disappointed.
07/24/2014 , WI
Love This Dress!
I ordered the Antoinette Gown in the cinnamon color. It is so beautiful, words can not describe this dress. I am amazed in the quality and workmanship that went into this dress. The bead work is unbelievable. I wasn't sure on the color when I ordered it, but I'm glad I did. The cinnamon is so pretty. I try and wear a new Ballgown every year for our biggest event. My friends wait all year for this event to see my new gown. This gown will be the best yet. Thank You!!!
07/23/2014 , OR
Beautiful and well constructed
This suit (130822-3-4-5) is absolutely beautiful. It is a lighter weight fabric than I was anticipating, which is great, since I'm planning on wearing it in the summer. The construction is solid. I love the way it drapes, especially the jacket tail.
07/23/2014
This suit is absolutely beautiful. It is a lighter weight fabric than I was anticipating, which is great, since I'm planning on wearing it in the summer. The construction is solid. I love the way it drapes, especially the jacket tail.
07/23/2014 , TX
Absolutely Beautiful
The Corrina is very well made and beautiful in the green taffeta. It is sure to be admired and even envied at the Dickens Festival.
07/23/2014
The Corrina is very well made and beautiful in the green taffeta. It is sure to be admired and even envied at the Dickens Festival.
07/18/2014 , WA
Drawers are the best invention ever!
I wear these super comfy Drawers every day of my life. I wear them with a t-shirt to sleep in nightly and I also wear them under long skirts. They have been one of the greatest clothing finds of my life. I own 11 pairs in every color, mostly doubles of every color, and I would buy more right now if they came in any other colors than what I already have. I will be buying these for the rest of my days to replace old ones as they wear out, or until Recollections stops making them, whichever comes first. These Drawers are just that awesome!
07/18/2014
I wear these super comfy Drawers every day of my life. I wear them with a t-shirt to sleep in nightly and I also wear them under long skirts. They have been one of the greatest clothing finds of my life. I own 11 pairs in every color, mostly doubles of every color, and I would buy more right now if they came in any other colors than what I already have. I will be buying these for the rest of my days to replace old ones as they wear out, or until Recollections stops making them, whichever comes first. These Drawers are just that awesome!
07/16/2014 , FL
Great Piece
Very happy with our pendant watches - they are very pretty, good quality, and come nicely wrapped! One of my favorite Recollections purchases!
07/16/2014
Very happy with our pendant watches - they are very pretty, good quality, and come nicely wrapped! One of my favorite Recollections purchases!
07/16/2014 , FL
Nice Find
We bought two of these split skirts (in Montego and Checkmate)for our living history bicycling program. I was so excited to find divided skirts like these - very cute and comfortable.
07/15/2014 , SC
Christmas dress
I have been through two costume designers who, after numerous fittings, made clothing that did not fit me. I am so thrilled with Recollections because of the quality and true sizing. This is one of the most comfortable dresses I have and love to wear it. Doing events with Santa means I can be inside, outside, rain, sun, climbing into carriages (and more), parades....just about anything. This dress has always been beautiful no matter what I find myself doing. Highly recommended from myself, Santa and the Elves.
07/15/2014
I have been through two costume designers who, after numerous fittings, made clothing that did not fit me. I am so thrilled with Recollections because of the quality and true sizing. This is one of the most comfortable dresses I have and love to wear it. Doing events with Santa means I can be inside, outside, rain, sun, climbing into carriages (and more), parades....just about anything. This dress has always been beautiful no matter what I find myself doing. Highly recommended from myself, Santa and the Elves.
07/15/2014 , VA
teco
Love your clothes. They are well made.
wish you had more fabrics to choose from
07/15/2014
Love your clothes. They are well made.wish you had more fabrics to choose from
07/15/2014
really liked this dress, got lots of compliments on style and color. The price was reasonable also.
07/13/2014 , CA
Really Lovely Dress
I ordered this dress (140127-8) for a Fall wedding and reception. I had to have it tailored for my figure, and Barb in customer service was fabulous. The dress turned out beautifully. I highly recommend it.
07/11/2014 , CO
straw hat
This my second hat purchase and I am very pleased; it came in good condition and very well made. I would not hesitate to recommend this store to anyone!
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