Why spend hundreds of dollars on a dress that you will most likely only wear once? Now you can wear styles straight off the runway, save loads of money and be green.

From summer weddings and garden parties to cocktail parties to girl's night out, Rent the Runway has the perfect designer dress and matching accessories for any devoted fashionista. And the best part is, you can wear the new Proenza Schouler or Vena Cava cocktail dress to your next special event for as little as $50. Rent the Runway rents designer dresses from over 50 high-fashion designers for a 4 day stretch or, for an extra fee, 8 days. You can reserve your designer dress and accessories up to 6 months in advance, and Rent the Runway will even send you a second size for free, just to be safe.

Using Rent the Runway is easy - Just find a dress you love, select your sizes, select when you’d like it delivered, and it’ll appear on your doorstep. When you're done, you mail it back in a pre-paid envelope and they take care of the dry cleaning at an eco-friendly cleaner. You must become a member for which there is a waiting list, but Ecomodish readers can cut the line here.

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This metallic, oversized tote by ecoist, recently made it's film debut in Sex and the City 2 as Samantha's companion. “We chose the Ecoist Silver Mega because the proportion is perfect, it went great with her look…it’s got a very glamorous look...” said Danny Santiago, Sex and the City Stylist.

It's amazing that something so stylish can be created from materials that would otherwise be sent to a landfill. Ecoist handbags, including the Mega Silver, are handcrafted from upcycled candy wrappers. Not only has Ecoist has saved over 15 million wrappers from being sent to the landfill, but they also plant a tree for each bag sold. And for a limited time, you can get $30 Off the Mega Silver + Free shipping when you use the code ECOSEXY at checkout!

Also, stay tuned for the start of Ecoist's Be A Stylist Sweepstakes for a chance to win an Ecoist Handbag Wardrobe valued at over $400!

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I thought it might be useful to post periodically, introducing the newest additions to ecomodish's listings of natural and green companies. Some companies that we add are well-known, but we also make it a priority to promote small independent businesses - many of which are ecomodish readers just like you - who have contacted us to introduce themselves.

This week's new additions are listed below. Please take a minute to check out them out and if you're familiar their products, leave a review and tell others about them!

Organic Apoteke offers 100% natural skin care products made from organically-sourced vitamins and herbal nutrients that help prevent and reverse the signs of premature aging.

Tsi~La offers natural and organic fragrances made from the world's finest essential oils and plant botanicals. Their fragrances are free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, and other harmful ingredients commonly found in traditional perfumery.

close your eyes hold out your hand (which I recently posted about) creates beautiful, handcrafted jewelry. All pieces are made from fine silver with hand felted wool and/or hand colored resin.

Also don't forget - if you join ecomodish to write a review, we will plant a tree in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, AND you'll also earn ecoPoints that count towards planting more trees for every review you write!

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Etsy Favs: I've spent time browsing Etsy, the last few days, and I wanted to share one of my latest favs - close your eyes hold out your hand. I love the contrast of the fuzzy wool felt against the smooth silver in their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted necklaces and earrings...

"close your eyes hold out your hand is about beautiful, wearable items combining the ideas and materials I love: simplicity, contrast, synergy, colour and texture." says Marsha Oza, designer & owner.

Check out their clean, colorful collection of handcrafted jewelry on etsy or, if you are in the UK, Folksy.

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The Andean Collection's core principles of social and environmental responsibility are a refreshing addition to the fashion industry which largely relies on inexpensive factory labor and synthetic materials. Each jewelry design is handcrafted by Andean Collection artisans using beautiful, natural beads made from seeds that have been sustainably harvested from rainforests and lowlands in South America. The Andean Collection jewelry not only helps support the indigenous communities but also the preservation of their forests.

The Andean Collection's jewelry is comprised of funky and bold designs inspired by the indigenous jewelery of Ecuador. With pieces designed for layering, the wearer can creatively fashion a unique style all their own. The rich colors and natural seeds and nuts, make striking one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. Some of my favorite pieces from their new Spring 2010 collection are the Layered Chain Necklace and the Tagua Bibb Necklace, shown below.

The Andean Collection was founded by Amanda Judge while she was in Ecuador researching her masters' thesis – with a topic of "rural women's survival strategies in the face of extreme poverty" and a focus on ideas for how outside agencies could help. Instead of just writing about it, she decided it would be more beneficial to become an outlet for helping the community improve their standard of living. Following fair trade principles is only part of The Andean Collection's dedication to providing their artisans a better life, they also share the profits as partial owners. The video below provides a moving and uplifting look into the lives of The Andean Collection's artisans and their community.

For inspiring stories and news about the artisans, the materials and the design process visit The Andean Collection blog.

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VivaTerra offers unique and beautiful sustainable fashion and home decor made from sustainable resources. Many items are handcrafted by inspired designers and artisans that honor cultures from around the world. AND, they are currently offering a shopping spree giveaway – enter for a chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate to VivaTerra!

Deadline to enter is April 22, 2010. Open to U.S. residents 21 years or older.

Don't miss out, visit VivaTerra for details and to enter!

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Etsy Favs: "simple gestures of affection inspire us. from a small trinket to an ad in a magazine...our love for simple techniques like woodworking and printmaking combined with our obsession for mid century design creates our general aesthetic." - say Shauna and Stephen, creators of something's hiding in here in their featured Etsy seller interview.

Whatever the inspiration, I'm loving the chunky design and organic texture of these handcrafted, reclaimed wood rings and necklaces.

You can find them on Etsy - and - they're now even available at christophe lemaire in Paris!

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Seeing its been a while since my last post, I thought I'd get back into it by sharing some of my new Etsy Favs...

rikrak offers upcycled vintage fabric creations, including coasters, wallets, clutches and fun shaped patches.

favorJewelry offers a sustainable collection of simple, timeless jewelry made from recycled silver. Each earring, bracelet, necklace and ring is handcrafted and unique.

sweetbeets offers eco-friendly letterpress cards, invitations and calendars with colorful, whimsical designs.

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302designs is currently running a promotion on their eco-friendly, certified sweatshop-free, and organic tees. Their organic t-shirts sport poetic philosophical and motivational designs, making them a great green gift idea for the artistically-inclined. Get FREE shipping on orders $50+ and also $15 off $75 orders (plus FREE shipping) using coupon code 15OFF75 at checkout.

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Etsy Favs: I just recieved this green messenger bag by IraGrantEco as a gift, and I LOVE it! It is flawlessly hand-crafted from soft, moss-colored, organic canvas and is lined with 100% organic cotton twill printed with Mod Green Pod's Enchanted Forest. There are 2 deep pockets inside, a magnetic snap closure and an adjustable strap that allows it to transform from a cute shoulder bag to a cross-over messenger bag. I can't wait to start using it!

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