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
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!
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.
Linda B.02/29/2024
Straight forward
Why Recollections?
It’s been a few years, but you were the best when I was a regular customer
Garment Choice
Great for summer and simple lines.
Company Response
Welcome back! Thank you for your comments and rating.
Judy02/29/2024
I
Company Response
Thank you for your ratings!
Franziska T.02/29/2024
The only thing I might change is being able to edit items in cart without having to remove one to replace it, ie. size, length, color, etc
Why Recollections?
Best selection.
Garment Choice
Because it looks the most like what I was expecting. Attending an international convention in another county. Delegates are encouraged to wear clothing from their country- but no jeans or tee shirts.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. What a fun convention!!
Brian02/28/2024
Love this shop so much. Y’all always take great care of me and never get annoyed with my questions
Why Recollections?
Long time customer
Garment Choice
Cause I need it lol
Company Response
We love your questions!! Thank you for comments and ratings!
Cit02/28/2024
It was easy and simple
Why Recollections?
People say its high quality beautiful clothing and I am so excited to try it
Garment Choice
I have been obsessed with this calico and I think I could wear this for LARP but also might be able to put it with my regular clothing as well which is fun
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback and ratings!
Lisa02/27/2024
Katie was so kind and helpful in helping me to get the discount that wouldn't process a day earlier when it was still in effect.
Why Recollections?
I LOVE Recollections clothing!
Garment Choice
I wear Victorian/Edwardian clothing on a regular basis
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating! We love our customers!
Sherrie L.02/27/2024
ok
Garment Choice
Loved the hat
Company Response
Thank you for your comment and rating!
Theresa02/27/2024
Wonderful customer service!!
Garment Choice
I first purchased the white Victorian blouse and loved it. I then purchased the black fan skirt to complete the outfit. It was perfect for the museum event we are hosting.
Why Recollections?
I am the director of our local museum and need period attire for events. I really like the authentic selection of the clothing.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
Amy02/25/2024
I needed a modification to my order and Recollections was able to provide it. Because it was custom , the order took some time to arrive but seller was communicative and clear throughout process.
Why Recollections?
Recommended by a friend, I have ordered before
Garment Choice
The color options and the holiday sale pricing
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
Mina B.02/25/2024
Everything was great except I didn't know about the $95 additional shipping timeline until the very last stage. I think the dates and timeline should be more upfront.
Why Recollections?
I've actually had a lot of your items in my Etsy shopping cart for a long time before realizing you had a storefront online, And then you were recommended as a trusted source for the event I'm going to
Garment Choice
I'm going to a Regency LARP and I'm running out of time to make all my own pieces. I was going to also buy a dress but due to the additional $95 fee got priced out of it so I will just have to sew a lot in the next 7 weeks.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
Maureen02/24/2024
Easy to order - just what I was looking for as a Phoebe Snow costume
Company Response
Outstanding! Thank you for your comments and rating!
Lori02/21/2024
Easy ordering, fast shipping, product as described
Why Recollections?
I'm really impressed with your garments, this is my 3rd order in the last few years. I have been gathering outfits for DAR functions that I attend. Also, thank you so much for the hat pin you sent to me as a gift with my last purchase.
Garment Choice
I think it will go with a skirt I ordered, although I am little worried about the burgundy color matching. And, it's on sale. I looked for the white jabot to go with a white poufy sleeve shirt I recently ordered and couldn't find it and anything like it, in the shorter length.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating! We appreciate all the feedback.
1 Product Review
02/21/2024
As described and adjustable
Amy02/21/2024 , SC
Clothing is well made and true to period. Customer service was easy to deal with. Thank you!
Why Recollections?
My daughter was looking for quality Regency clothing.
Garment Choice
It was for an upcoming English Country dance ball.
Company Response
Thank you for your comment and rating!
Kathe02/19/2024
They went above & beyond to ensure that u received my gown in a timely manner!
Why Recollections?
Repeat customer. The quality of the work.
Company Response
What an amazing dress!! Thank you for you comments and rating.
02/19/2024
This gown is very well-made in absolutely gorgeous!! I purchased it on sale during Black Friday, and WOW, did I get a deal!!
Caron02/19/2024
Good experience so far
Why Recollections?
I like the choices.
Garment Choice
I’m in DAR.
Company Response
Thank you for your feedback!
Susan02/18/2024 , Florida
I have always had great experiences purchasing beautiful items from Recollections.
Garment Choice
For correct period outfit.
Why Recollections?
Beautifully sewn items.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
Aleena R.02/18/2024
easy to add items in wishlist , wonderful selection to choose from . Enjoy the free shipping even if it’s 6-8 weeks.
Why Recollections?
American made , beautiful historic designs and great quality fabrics.
Garment Choice
I am going to get married, and this will be a wonderful piece to wear for this occasion.
Company Response
So glad to be part of your wedding!! Thank you for your comments and rating.
Allison02/16/2024
Thank you so much! I have heard nothing but glowing reviews, and I look forward to receiving my purchase! Such an easy to navigate website.
Why Recollections?
A friend told me about the amazing quality and fast shipping- and fair prices!
Garment Choice
It fits my character (I LARP) very well, and it had good reviews and looked comfortable.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
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