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San Diego Style
 | Word necklace with rutilated quartz, black onyx, labradorite, pearls and engraved silver shapes, $281, by Bjorg. Deep Fling, Encinitas, 760-277-7800; bjorgdesign-usa.com. |
 | Dayak Station silver bracelet with black sapphires and crocodile band, $1,995, from the Kali Lava Collection by John Hardy. Visit johnhardy.com for local retailers. |
 | Skull necklace in 14K rose and yellow gold with black and white diamonds and orange sapphires on 14K rose gold chain, $9,905, by Julez Bryant. 760-729-5859; julez.com. |
 | Damita sterling silver and 18k gold ring, $275, from the Casa Cross Collection from Saint by Sarah Jane. Neiman Marcus, Fashion Valley, 619-542-4404; saintbysarahjane.com. |
 | Breakup bracelet in platinum with black diamonds and rubies, $19,950 (woman’s); $22,775 (man’s), from the Luz Collection by Houman. Houman Boutique, Coronado, 619-437-7007; luzstyle.com. |
 | 18K gold cuff with diamonds, $29,500, from the Kroko Collection by Hellmuth. Nordstrom, Fashion Valley, 619-295-4441; hellmuth.de. |
 | Dragon ring in 18k gold with lime quartz and rubies, $21,000 from the Objects Organique Collection by K. Brunini Jewels; Neiman Marcus, Fashion Valley, 619-542-4404; kbrunini.com. |
 | Somerset stretch bracelets in stainless steel, $195 each, from the Mesh Collection. Tiffany & Co., 800-526-0649; tiffany.com. |
Couture with a Conscience
BY LORI BERGAMOTTO
Fashionistas flock to eco-wise boutique Migrate Home to feel good about looking chic
ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO, “green” was just a color. “Hybrid” was certainly not a reference to the trendiest wheels on the road. And eco-friendly fashion was synonymous with a super-crunchy hippie look. (Think bohemian frocks, a peasant headscarf and some earth-mama sandals——that is, if shoes were worn at all.)
Times have changed.
We’ve been informed that truth is inconvenient and a carbon footprint is not something of Sasquatch lore. And finally ——cue the horns——fashion has caught up. While mass availability is still a concern, San Diegans can be comforted that ecosafe finds abound in Encinitas, at the socially——and stylistically——conscious Migrate Home boutique.
It’s the brainchild of founder and San Diego native Lindy Boynton. This homey, upscale shop opened its doors less than a year ago and offers housewares, clothing and accessories that are environmentally and socially friendly. Her inspiration? A do-gooder conscience. As a fashion executive for almost 10 years, Boynton found herself conflicted by a love for high design and a disdain for the eco-crushing operations of the industry. Spurred by the cancer deaths of two important people in her life, she questioned the environmental effects on human health and decided to make a change.
“I knew I couldn’t do much, but in my own way, I could take what I knew——fashion——and give it an environmental soul,” Boynton says. And with that, her “from the seed to the shelf” mentality took form in a sleek, tree house–esque boutique.
Inside the dark-wood-paneled and whitewashed walls of this one-of-a-kind shop, the shelves teem with denim by Loomstate (known for an impeccable fit), fresh, feminine dresses by Stewart Brown and beautiful billowy tops by Edun. For Boynton, it’s important that each line she carries has a socially responsible mission. Whether the clothing is made from organic or sustainable resources or it’s made to help build factories and create jobs in third-world countries, her approach to going green makes every consumer feel they can participate in the movement.
“I’m certainly not an activist,” she says. “I don’t want people to feel intimidated, but I also want them to feel like they can make a difference.”
One bestseller in San Diego is TOMS Shoes, an Argentine canvas shoe in multiple colors and designs. With every pair purchased, another pair is donated to an Argentina child who can’t afford a pair of shoes.
But it’s not just the merch in Migrate Home that helps to make the world a better place. Boynton also uses this mentality on a smaller, local scale by supporting the San Diego art community.
“Every six weeks or so we rotate the pictures of local artists in the store for customers to purchase,” she says. “We have a big, open-store event to celebrate the artists and their work.” Patrons are encouraged to join the mailing list or check her Web site (migratehome.com) to stay in the loop.
Be forewarned: Green items don’t necessarily mean you’re going to save any green. Because the cottons and detailing are made from organic materials, the clothing tends to be pricey. But for the beauty and quality of the pieces and all the good it does for the earth, consider it a well-made donation to the environment and your wardrobe.
MIGRATE HOME
937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite C103
Encinitas • 760-632-8284
migratehome.com
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