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If you’ve ever met a serious thrifter, you know that thrifting is not a hobby that should be taken lightly. People that are into second-hand shopping dedicate a lot of time to their passion. They do a lot of research, dedicate whole afternoons for shopping, scour various apps and websites for deals, and sometimes even get into bidding wars for a vintage jacket. They take it seriously and they love it.

Then there are thrifters that take it one step further—they also use their sewing skills to alter the items. They take an already creative hobby to the next level.

This is what Brooke Karasack does. She takes her interesting thrift store finds and transforms them into one-of-a-kind outfits that make her stand out from the crowd. Scroll down to see the most impressive ones.

#1

Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

brooklynkarasack Report

Jaya
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love them as pants too, but as a dress it's really, really cool and really cute.

Georgia Ireland
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd compliment you if I saw that dress. BTW, job well done!👏👏😁✌️

Oddly Me
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dress is cute, but quite short. The pants are also cute, but more wearable.

Catharina Geerts
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the left arm, I would have chosen a solid color or a les busy design, but I do love the dress, it's so cute!

Anna Drever
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love both the original and the remake but if I had her figure it would be the pants, they’re fabulous!

giggles
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOVE that you see something that isn't in the 'box'! You are exceptional at what you do! And I LOVE you not adding to the mounds of 'fast' fashion so easily thrown away! Keep up the brilliant work!!!

The reasons why thrifting has gotten so popular are a few, the first one being the sustainability factor. A lot of young people are worried about the impact fast fashion has on the planet and don’t want to contribute to it. Buying things secondhand offers an option to give new life to an item of clothing that would otherwise end up in a landfill. 

Thrifting is also much cheaper than getting items at a normal store. If you dedicate enough effort, you will be blessed with a quality item that will serve you for years for only a fraction of its original price. This allows young people to build a solid closet they can be proud of.

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    #2

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who else here is old enough to remember Carol Burnett's Gone with the Wind parody? (Also useful for helping an Austrian sea captain's kids escape the Nazis.)

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    #3

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't that the blanket that was in the couch in Roseanne?

    Cerridwn d'Wyse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This smells kind of a cute idea and it's something that maybe somebody who does that kind of quilting or crocheting or knitting or whatever it is might look at it and say cool I could make some jackets

    I'M A SHOUTY MAN (they/she/he)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this cardigan! Some of their other remixes are a bit ehhh but I like this one!

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I had donated this blanket to the charity shop, I would be very pleased with the reincarnation

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love it! And I bet it's cozy and warm :)

    There’s also no denial that creators like Karasack inspire their viewers to try their hand at thrifting, too. Many influencers post videos about thrift hauls and flaunt impressive items they’ve found while combing through second-hand stores. This appeals to many who also wish to find something unique for their closet.

    And that’s the third factor that gets people into thrift stores—the rush of finding something great. Thrifting is a time-consuming endeavor that requires a lot of patience. So, getting rewarded for all that effort by finding an item that will simply shine on you is incredibly satisfying. 

    #4

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks so cool! I especially love the lower part of the top, how the blue one ends horizontally and the green one ends more diagonally, that combination is so cool.

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    #6

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone has different taste, but I think it's really cool how she managed to make it from a pretty but somewhat boring dress that is typically worn by 30 year olds, into a sexy and cool party outfit that's typically worn by 20 year olds. The fit around the whole in the top isn't completely right, but the concept is really cool.

    Rianna Lewis
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn’t say “30” year old 😂 maybe 30 years would have worn it 30 years ago 😂 but 30 year olds don’t even look 30 anymore

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    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again a very cute new creation! Suits you beautifully. And you got matching wall decorations too :D

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah, I like the first one better. But im also fat :D

    So, if you have enough patience and you’re looking for something that will consume a majority of your free time and space in your brain, thrifting might be for you. So, once you’ve decided to give it a go, make a list of a few things you wish to get. A dress for a cocktail party, a skirt for work, a new winter coat—whatever you need right now. If you go in just to browse, there’s a high chance you will feel overwhelmed by all that’s happening there and want to rush out straight away. So, set a goal and avoid panicking.

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    #7

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Hey!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought it was a carpet. I think the problem with the hoodie is the navy blue; had she chosen a baby blue or a beige/cream, it would have looked better.

    Deleila Charlie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a shame, it was a beautiful scarf

    flee.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    omg i love this. i know the blanket was super pretty but i need one of these hoodies lmao

    SpiderQueen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ayyy I love the hoodie!!! It's adorable, and that blanket is prob massed produced and that hoodie is one of a kind.

    Annymoose
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is the pocket s weird shape? Blanket was better

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel the opposite way of apparently all BoredPandas: average rug/scarf, supercool hoodie. I love that combination of the sweet flowery stuff with the harsher black parts. And the fringe on the bottom is really cool for a hoodie too. I adore it.

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    #9

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Annymoose
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah I'm not feeling any of these sorry

    SpiderQueen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok this is gorgeous!!! Both of them!

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    gave her a bit of a bust lift

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks so cool! The original too by the way.

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again I like the first one better.

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This time I like the original dress way more

    When browsing for your next statement piece, you’ll have to do a lot of scanning, i.e., quickly looking through a lot of clothes. That is why it is good to know what cuts, styles, and colors already suit you. So, know your preferences and size before going in so that you don’t waste time on clothes that might look impressive on the rack but will not fit in your wardrobe or on your body.

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    #10

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Abigail Strong
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nooooo those shoes were so beautiful >:(

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer them as shoes, but the idea of turning a shoe into a little corset thingy, is really fun. Very creative.

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my gosh! I want to know how she did that...

    #11

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Anony Mouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm starting to suspect she's trying to promote her brand here. These hoodies aren't great and the name across makes them look worse.

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually like these hoodies. 9/10 would wear. Just because *you* might not wear it, it doesn't mean that it's inherently bad.

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    flee.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so cute, actually like this better than the other one

    #12

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Ese
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer the before

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also here, the before dress is way better

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks so f*cking cool! I love the combination of those flowers that are so cute, and the stripper/kinky look of the stuff that she added. The botos and hat fit it really well too. This would be a really cool look for in the bedroom or at certain club nights/festivals. If It looks really well done too, if I had the confidence and body for it, I would seriously buy this.

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    Remember that there are thrift stores that don’t have changing rooms, and those that do have overcrowded ones. So, don’t waste your time and, instead, come prepared. You can measure yourself and clothes that you already have and then come with a measuring tape to test things you’d like to buy. You can also wear something that’s easy to try things on with like a fitted t-shirt, yoga pants, or biker shorts.

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    #13

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Zonde van de prachtige sjaa, anders is het wel een aardig niemendalletje. Waar is de lange broek gebleven?

    #14

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Anony Mouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awful. Tacky blanket, tackier hoodie with that same logo.

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah. Better make a long dress with only that material. Hoodie looks too forced and boring.

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not into these oversized things. The only fun part are the fringes

    flee.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ahhh so cute, i love (shall i say) 'vintage' clothes

    #15

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The original dress was better. It might have worked better if the skirt was made in a different fashion. Especially the hanging pieces somehow make it look shabby

    JuJu
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    90's pop-princess videoclip outfit

    SpiderQueen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of a jellyfish, cute.

    Anony Mouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again - like she just washed up on shore.

    Once you do find an item that you like, check for signs of wear like pilling and fading. See if there are any hard-to-tackle stains that might be an issue. Feel the material to see the quality and check how sturdy the garment is. Check the tag to see what it’s made of and opt for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool when possible.

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    #16

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like the dress, though the top is a bit too showing in the middle. Somehow seems out of balance compared to the skirt.

    #17

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Jay the not okay
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    maybe thesis don't fit into your criteria of good looking clothes or you might think these are 'inappropriate' as some of these are showing a bit of skin, but please don't downvote these. they're still a creation and a work of art, and plus, you're not wearing it, she is. if they make her happy and she likes it, and she wants to share it with the internet, please respect it. if it is not showing illegal things or bad influence, then so be it. no need to downvote

    Strawberry Pizza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I haven't downvoted, but the most likely reason people are downvoting is because it looked way better the first way. Whatever floats her boat, though...

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    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would I want my bra poking out off this full sight?

    Deborah Coalter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jealousy is not reason to down vote these amazing creations.

    #18

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Cerridwn d'Wyse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I won't down vote it but it is ugly

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it activates my astigmatism

    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's like a eye test

    TomCat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This girl needs to spend more time cleaning her room

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hmm... I like the sleeves but could do without the bra lines

    Patrick Van Gogh
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    GOSH OP ART IS MAKING A FUN COMEBACK,.AB FAB,.

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    O, oh, I get dizzy looking at the second one.

    Barbara Kelly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a lot of careful cutting and piecing to create a bodycon outfit

    Most importantly—have fun! Yes, thrifting is a task, but it’s supposed to be a fun one. Grab a friend that will keep your spirits high and hype you up when you find something interesting. Pack a snack or two, bring your own bags, and have cash on you. And maybe, once you get going, share what you find online, just like Brooke did. Happy deal hunting!

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    #20

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Cerridwn d'Wyse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah she's way into showing off her belly more than I am but that's probably a generational or personal preference

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    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the third one the most, the other two... nah

    Linds
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Classy to trashy...

    Barbara Kelly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Showing under-boobs is very tacky.. In many of her redesigns, she is showing a whole lotta skin.

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the combo in the left edge.

    #21

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The idea is good, but the askew bottom of the top might have been better horizontal. And with a small black lining, too

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    #23

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

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    #24

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Anony Mouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So she either makes: Hoodies with a bad logo in huge letters, or just-washed-ashore-and-have-to-strip-for-a-living outfits.

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    #25

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Strawberry Pizza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like this is something I would have done to one of my Barbies as a kid. I don't think the new way suits her at all.

    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A thin silver belt and a double chain sliver and crystal necklace on the first one

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This would look better with a simple black sports bra type top instead of that swirl patterned one

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First ones better but thats just me maybe. Love the dreamy style of the first one.

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A youthful vibe. Bit like Peter Pan ;)

    #26

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really like those black lines over the skin, gives it a cool edge.

    #27

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the corsety top with the skirt, but combined with the way the top is cut is just... weird

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not bad, but I think the white part should have another colour. Maybe a bit darker

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    #28

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes on the sleeves and skirt, but the top is just... no

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes on top and skirt made from the dress, not to the solid green pieces. Should be somehow differen

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    #29

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Dolevaal
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah. First ones waaay better.

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I liked the original dress way better. With the belt, bracelet and necklace from the second picture it would have been perfect

    #30

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not much left of that lovely dress, but it's nice, combined with the lace pieces

    #31

    Transforming-Thrift-Store-Finds-Brooklynkarasack

    brooklynkarasack Report

    Arenwy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a sameness to most of them.

    Barbara Kelly
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just...no. Weird bondage vibes with this one.

    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice, but the dark gray straps are ugly, big nono.

    ️cleopatr1k ️
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Individually I like them, but not combined

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