The Retold 10: With Stylist April Perrin

Welcome to our Retold 10 series, where we dive into the minds of influential voices committed to building a greener future. In each segment, we’re ask inspiring people across fashion, business, and lifestyle the same 10 questions about sustainable living, eco-conscious choices, and the small changes that make a big impact! Through their answers, we hope to spark ideas and provide practical insights to take a step towards a more sustainable life for everyone!

In this edition, we’re thrilled to feature April Perrin, a stylist and sustainability influencer known for her secondhand & slow fashion and deep commitment to ethical living. With her unique perspective on blending style with sustainability, April shows how conscious fashion can be beautiful and impactful. Scroll for more from April. 

1. Who are you? Share you name, title, and relevant info! 

April Perrin, Wardrobe Stylist & Content Creator at AP Styled - located in Charlottesville, VA. 

2. On a personal or professional level, what significance does sustainability hold for you?

It holds tremendous significance for me both professionally and personally. I've spent the better part of 10+ years researching and promoting sustainable & ethical fashion and have made it my mission to spread awareness about the impact of fashion consumerism.

3. Where did you start your sustainability journey and what are some easy swaps you recommend for others? 

My views on shopping and buying clothes shifted dramatically on a trip to Southeast Asia in 2010. My luggage was lost for a large portion of the trip and I had to scour local markets to try and find clothes that I could wear. I met local artisans and saw firsthand how selling these clothes was tied directly to their livelihood. It was a lightbulb moment - so much so that I came home and decided to not buy any new clothes for a year. I would encourage anyone who struggles with buying too many clothes to put themselves on a shopping hiatus for a period of time. It had a significant impact on the way I view shopping.

4. Have you set any specific sustainability goals this year? If so, what are they? 

Every year, I try to push myself to do more than I did the year before. For example, if I didn't buy clothes for one month last year, I'll push myself to not buy clothes for two months, etc. I'm also finding ways to teach my 3 very young kids about why we strive for sustainability.

5. What are your favorite eco-friendly brands, and/or which companies do you believe are leading the way in sustainable business practices?

There are many eco-friendly brands I admire and the list grows by the day. The primary thing I look for in a brand is transparency. Nowadays, there is a lot of greenwashing and it can be hard to decipher whether or not a brand is doing all of the things it claims to be; however, I've found the more transparent they are, the better. I also encourage folks to reach out to their favorite brands and ask questions about their commitment to sustainability. We as consumers have the right to demand transparency from the brands we shop.

6. What would you like to see more of in the sustainability sector?

 I would love to see more legislation and regulations that can support the sustainability sector. The European Union has been very proactive in this area the past few years and the US should take note. On a positive note, California just passed The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 in an effort to tackle the fashion and textile waste problem. This is definitely a win for the sustainability sector.

7. What was the last podcast, newsletter, or book that motivated you to adopt more sustainable practices or deepened your understanding of an eco-related topic? 

One podcast I listen to regularly is the Clotheshorse Podcast. Amanda (the host) is a wealth of knowledge and really dives into the nuances of sustainable fashion and consumerism as a whole. 

8. How did you come across Retold? 

I first came across Retold on Instagram and then my neighbor told me she used Retold and loved it. 

9. How would you describe your Retold persona (e.g., slow and steady = annual, big declutter = 10 packs) 

I'm slow and steady for sure. My clients are often the big declutterers!

10. If someone was going to gift you an item from Retold’s sustainable store, what would it be?? 

Ooh that's a tough one! I've recently started drinking more tea and I love pilates, so probably the tea or cork yoga mat!

We hope these insights inspire you to explore your own journey toward sustainability! Stay tuned as we continue to gather tips and ideas from influential voices. A more sustainable world starts with each of us, one choice, and one bag at a time!