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!
02/14/2024
I've shopped and purchased here several times and have been very pleased with the quality and cost-effectiveness.
Garment Choice
I have an event coming up and I'll need summer-style Edwardian period clothing. No time to make my own outfit, so off to Recollections I went!
Why Recollections?
The items are pretty close to historically accurate, and are more comfortable for modern wearers because of the modifications. I don't always have the time to sew my own costumes, so Recollections is a great place for fallback!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/14/2024
Very good service. Thank you!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
02/14/2024
Enjoy the website. Easy to maneuver!
Garment Choice
I'm a Christmas performer.
Why Recollections?
Was told about Recollections last year from other Mrs. Clauses and have been well pleased with the last outfit you made for me last year.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/14/2024
Not many choices
Garment Choice
Need a bustle cover for a ball gown.
Why Recollections?
Long time customer
Company Response
What a great choice! Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/13/2024
Was awesome, everyone was so nice and easy to work with. Clothes were spot on and fits and looks great.
Garment Choice
Wanted a new outfit for Mrs. Claus
Why Recollections?
Had the best looking recreations.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/12/2024
Wonderful assortment of fabric choices!
Garment Choice
Love the sleeves and the fabric is dreamy!
Why Recollections?
Love the endless dress style and fabric options!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. We love the new fabrics too!
02/11/2024
Always easy ordering and customer service is awesome!
Garment Choice
I needed another apron to change up my looks.
Why Recollections?
I am an 1800's reenactor. I have purchased many items and have never been disappointed. I am a 4X sized woman and everything fits me well.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
02/10/2024
As always, smooth and easy.
Garment Choice
I wanted the princess Ola but my friend already ordered it. I couldn't resist the sale though so I ordered something that looked comparable to wear when she is in her dress.
Why Recollections?
Long time customer
Company Response
Thank you for your rating and comments.
02/09/2024
Customer service is wonderful. So nice to call and speak with friendly person.
Garment Choice
Selected mourning skirt and blouse for cemetery tour this summer.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/09/2024
Wide selection of good quality garments.
Why Recollections?
Many of the dresses have a historically accurate appearance
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/09/2024
I love all the clothes and accessories I have ordered here and always get great compliments. I need to send you some pictures of cooking on the chuckwagon!
Garment Choice
I needed a pretty dress to wear when I’m not working, not that all my ‘work’ dresses aren’t pretty, this is fancy.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. We would love to see pictures!
02/09/2024
Great shopping.
Garment Choice
Like Edwardian.
Why Recollections?
Like the authentic historic items. Grest craftsmanship.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
02/08/2024
I have a number of outfits from recollections purchased over the past ten years, they are all very well made and I enjoy wearing them very much. They(Recollections) have been very helpful if I have questions, and I will be happy to continue adding more to my wardrobe.
Garment Choice
Love the style and historical accuracy
Why Recollections?
Well made, good customer service
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and ratings!
02/08/2024
I have been thinking about this ensemble for quite some time, and finally got it for myself. It’s absolutely perfect! I cannot wait to be wearing it at events.
02/08/2024
I will be wearing this on a regular basis! It goes well with my recollections skirts and tops,as well as most of my daily wear outfits.
02/08/2024
Great!
Garment Choice
For historical purposes
Why Recollections?
They do a great job. American made and fashionable
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
02/08/2024
Love the sleeves!
02/08/2024
I have bought a few pairs in the past and love them! Last awhile. The most recent ones though are very thin material and doesn’t feel like 100% cotton. But I will have to wear them and see if they last like the other ones.
02/08/2024
I added a special request for the length of the pantaloons, but I do not see it in the submitted order
Garment Choice
I bought a periwinkle extra small Civil War ensemble, but it is rather plain, so I am trying to dress it up a little
Why Recollections?
I go to your website almost every day and admire your beautiful outfits
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating. I'll look into your order and verify if your notes are where they need to be!!
02/06/2024
See previous comments and a email sent over a month ago.
Garment Choice
20% off sale
Why Recollections?
Previous customer
Company Response
Love those sales!! Thank you for your comments and rating!
02/06/2024
A disappointment, I expect a keener attention to detail from Recollections. The sleeves are mismatched. My selected fabric has a linear design. Each sleeve is cut in a different direction. Consequently, neither the bodice nor both sleeves linear design match or make visual sense. The result is a tacky and rushed low caliber effort by your production team. I needed the dress immediately. Hem and waist alterations were made and I have already worn it once. Now, I am extremely hesitant to trust Recollections with future costume orders.
02/06/2024
Everything I order from Recollections is beautiful. Also, Katie is very helpful at helping me with any questions.
Garment Choice
I plan on wearing it to the awards banquet at the Texas State Cowboy Action Shooting match.
Why Recollections?
I chose Recollections because they have beautiful dresses/gowns at good prices.
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating!
02/06/2024
needed assistance promised with sizing
Company Response
We are always a call or email away. Thank you for your comment and rating.
02/05/2024
Easy and quick.
Why Recollections?
Love the clothes and have been doing business with company for years.
Garment Choice
Wonderful color.
Company Response
Thank you for staying with us!
02/05/2024
It was so easy to navigate through my choices! I can't wait to see my dresses!
Company Response
Thank you for your comments and rating.
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