I had a themed wedding based on the time period around 1866. Because of this, I wanted to find a dress that looked like a fancy dress, but one that I could wear again. I found Recollections.biz through my sister doing an internet search. We picked a style that was period correct and I picked a light colored fabric. The dress is very well made and has great styling, with little additions helping to make the dress authentic. I couldn't be happier with my purchase! Not only that, but I ordered my dress in August when it was on sale - and my wedding was held in October. A great choice and I saved almost $100 by buying it on sale!

I ordered a "Dickens Dress" in Vintage blue rose. The dress was supposed to be here on January 15th for an event (and later, to be used in March, on the 22nd for our 20th anniversary vow renewal). The dress arrived sixteen days late with none of the accessories (they still haven't arrived, ordered January 5th).

The dress is extremely well made, but no attention to my actual measurements, which I submitted three times in writing and twice on the phone, to make certain the sleeve length and waist would be altered to fit me. (I'm very tall and their sleeve length is 21", my arms, to wrist, are 23.5"). I will have to make faux cuffs to hide the fact that the sleeves are too short (and once it's washed, it'll be a 3/4 sleeve).

They ask for your corseted measurements, as proper foundation garments must be worn under period clothing. Five times I assured them that yes, my measurements are 38-24-38 and to please make the waist a size 26". I can fit two of me in that waistline...it's got to be 30+". Now I have to take this massive "v" bodice off, gather all that material back, into a small bustle, or cut it out entirely. The sleeves must be removed and the bodice gathered up to take up the MASSIVE armholes that start at the shoulder and end somewhere around the center of my ribcage. (I should have ordered this in pieces or made it myself to assure a correct fit, even though I gave them all the information five times).

The communication was horrific, other than Barb, who was quite apologetic (I couldn't give her the what for, for not having the dress for the event, she was so sweet.) It appears that they have an inter office communication breakdown, as one person says one thing, another has no clue and still, the order was in la la land..)

I'd still order a skirt from them, but I'd make sure I had an experienced seamstress on standby to do alterations if I ordered a dress. I'd also order it months in advance, to be sure to have it in time!