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!
3,111 Verified Customer Reviews
3,111 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!
Deborah4 weeks ago
Wonderful. So many excellent choices it was very hard to make up my mind
Why Recollections?
Absolutely gorgeous clothes with fantastic prices
Garment Choice
Going to a civil war event in October and wanted to look period but upper class.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Michelle-Lien03/17/2024
I'm unsure of my size but couldn't see where to add my measurements as stated.
Why Recollections?
Great look and good prices.
Garment Choice
It is something I could use for shows.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. It's a great idea to add your measurements so we can double check if you have selected the right size garments!
Paula03/16/2024
Excellent product but be aware that there is a wait time for all orders.
Why Recollections?
Unique product with options to customize fit.
Garment Choice
I have always liked longer length skirts.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
1 Product Review
03/16/2024
Lovely material and nicely made.
Kim I.03/14/2024 , Victorian Society of Colorado
I asked a friend for a Regency Spenser & Regency dress as a Christmas gift and because they were on sale I asked my hubby for another set and ordered it for him to give to me :-)
Loved the quality and fit. They came just before a Star Trek Cruise in Febuary and I decided to use them as alien dignitaries costumes. I basted a striped fabric down the front of the black Spencer to make my husband's humanoid alien dignitary costume. It was a hoot.
Why Recollections?
I have used Recollections many times for many years. If you are not in a hurry you get a custom, fully sewn, quality product at almost less than I could personally just buy the fabric for. Many things are not lined but I prefer that because layers of costumes get too hot. The added benefit is it's easier to alter unlined items when my weight changes.
Garment Choice
I did not already have any Regency Spencer's. Also I wanted more Regency dresses because the are easy to wear compared to my Victorian dresses and can be worn as Titanic/ Edwardian with the right accessories. ( I gained weight while on steroids for cancer treatment and can still use these dresses after loosing the weight. I have lost 41 pounds but have 60 still to loose. Regency/Edwardian are not as fitted as Victorian and won't have to be abandoned when I fit back into my pre-cancer Victorian wardrobe.)
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. Your creativity is amazing!!
Luann03/14/2024
I don’t know if I’ll receive my clearance sale dress yet. The order information said the first person to order it, gets it. It’s still on the sale list so does that (it must) mean it’s still available?
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. We've noted your comment about the listing still showing after your purchase. It appears we had more than one available in your size which caused it too look the way it did! Sorry to cause concern!!
Bonnie03/13/2024
This is my 6th(?) dress with Recollections. Everything they make is top quality and with the custom measurements, they always fit me. I love them.
Why Recollections?
They offer a huge selection of historical inspired dresses that are all so beautiful and at reasonable prices. Also, when I put my measurements in, they make the dress to fit me, and that is so amazing.
Garment Choice
I love the lace detail at the neck and on the arms. It's going to be so pretty.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
Sharon03/13/2024
I have purchased from you previously. Navigated website with ease.
Why Recollections?
Love the fashions!
Garment Choice
Have need of a front closing garment.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
Diane03/11/2024
A lot to choose from and a variety of materials, love their clothing!
Why Recollections?
I love their merchandise.
Garment Choice
I am Mrs Claus and I needed a new red dress and I like this one.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
bianca L.03/11/2024
Love the website easy to navigate
Garment Choice
Love this blouse ordered it many times
Why Recollections?
They are the best!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
Tiffany03/09/2024
Overall the customer support was quick to respond. It was stressful waiting for my dress to ship and see dates come mentioned pass by without updates but in the end my dress arrived in time for the event. Dress fit well overall but is slightly different then what was pictured. The sleeves weren't what I expected. Overall I am happy with the dress.
Why Recollections?
It was recommended by a friend d
Garment Choice
I needed a regency dress for a LARP event. And saw thisnone had longer sleeves
Company Response
We are very sorry to hear your garment wasn't exactly as you expected. Lead times are frequently extended due the time needed to create garments from cut to dress. We sincerely apologize for the delays you experienced.
Kathleen J.03/09/2024
Easy website to navigate.
Garment Choice
It is simply beautiful
Why Recollections?
I love the quality of their merchandise and the great staff.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Megan03/09/2024
Pleasure shopping with you. Love the new velvet choices.
Why Recollections?
Victorian/Edwardian dresses and accessories.
Garment Choice
I need a different coloured belt for my Edwardian lingerie dress I bought from you a year or two ago. My fiancé doesn't want me to wear a cotton wedding dress. Also need a couple of crinolines.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Anette03/09/2024
Very simple with lots of options available.
Why Recollections?
Awesome clothes, really well made and authentic
Garment Choice
for reenactment as a pioneer school teacher
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Betty M.03/09/2024
Quick - Efficient!
Why Recollections?
I am hoping to attend a Somewhere In Time Weekend at the end of October. I am slowly building my wardrobe.
Garment Choice
It will be complimentary to several of my existing dresses and I can anticipate wearing it at the theatre as well.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Gail03/08/2024
Always wonderful!
Why Recollections?
Love their products!
Garment Choice
Because the vest will coordinate nicely with the plaid ensemble Recollections made for me previously give me more costume options
Company Response
Thank you for your comments!
Gwen03/07/2024
I have ordered quite a few dresses from Recollections, only two were for historical purposes, the rest were for daily wear and I love them so much. While they are not 100% entirely historically accurate they are still beautiful and comfortable to wear.
Why Recollections?
I like dresses that are made of cotton rather than polyester and it's getting more and more difficult to find things that aren't 90% poly. Plus I can get long sleeves if I want. There's also usually a choice of hem length which is great if you are doing a more modern take on a historical item of clothing.
Garment Choice
This is stinking adorable. I already have the Steampunk Alec in Wonderland dress and love it to death. I wear it all the time to work and it doesn't look out of place. I have gotten so many compliments. I tend to dress more corporate 'goth' and I've found there are plenty of fabric choices in their dresses that work with my darker style.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Donnalynn M.03/06/2024 , WA
I have bought multiple items over the last few years and have always found the process to be straightforward and convenient. The first few years I always used the checkout as guest option so I don't have records of my purchases, but I know I usually order well before my events so lead time has never been a concern of mine. I understand the need for the time; the craftsmanship reflects the effort put in to creating these outfits but I am often surprised by the lead time needed. The time requirement is always communicated in the emails after I placed the order, but I'm not sure I notice it on the website when considering a purchase. In reading the reviews, I see many people order for events and time can be an issue. Perhaps it might be nice to see a statement indicating the (potential) time required in the item description- that might help narrow (or make) a choice between items and alleviate any stress that comes from finding out the time requirements after the purchase was made.
Garment Choice
I liked the look and the fact that there were matching accessories available that enhanced the ensemble.
Why Recollections?
I am a returning customer who has always been very happy with your merchandise.
Company Response
Thank you for comments and suggestions!
03/06/2024
Beautiful dress. I couldn’t be happier with the quality of this dress. It’s simply stunning. I have never been disappointed with an items I’ve purchased through this site. The materials are never flimsy and the workmanship shows care and attention to detail. These dresses hold up and I expect to be wearing them for a long time!
Veray03/05/2024
Easy to use
Why Recollections?
Great quality historic garments
Garment Choice
Will go well with a skirt I have for winter event.
Company Response
Thank you for your comment and rating.
Susan03/03/2024
Easy to navigate and choose what I want.
Why Recollections?
Love the Civil War styles
Garment Choice
Need to dress period appropriate for a convention
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
Kyle03/01/2024
Always good
Why Recollections?
Quality
Garment Choice
Just fabric
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
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