Fashion

Why it’s significant: Donkey, the sophomore release from sassy electro-pop girl band CSS, will add a significant dose of fun to your summer.

CSS hail from São Paulo, Brazil, but there is nary a hint of traditional Brazilian influence in their music: it's music from the mean streets of the one of the biggest cities in the world.  You may have wittingly or unwittingly heard CSS’ track “Music is My Hot, Hot Sex,” from their debut album, backing a 2007 ipod touch commercial. For their second Sub Pop release, Donkey, CSS sticks with their signature sound: infectious beats and impertinent/nonsensical lyrics with an 80s synth-pop twist, dressed up for the year 2008. If you are not already a fan, "Jager Yoga" and "Give Up" should reel you in.

The multi-talented band is comprised of a couple of fashionistas. If you take a look at this clip you will get a better sense of their visual flair, and a guided tour of São Paulo hot spots, to boot.

Noteworthy tid bits: Donkey was produced by Adriano Cintra (their bass player…and yes, there is ONE boy in the band) and mixed in Los Angeles by Mark “Spike” Stent (whose credits include Madonna, Bjork, M.I.A., and other big names). Bass player Ira Trevisan left the band earlier this year to continue her fashion pursuits.

--Renata Sadunas 

OK, so they've actually been around since 1990.  But 1,000 issues of any magazine is something to celebrate, and EW is doing it in style, with their trademark: lists, lists, and more lists. "The New Classics: The 1,000 Best Movies, TV Shows, Albums, Books & More of the Last 25 Years" is great fun, and ranks every form of media you can think of since 1983, with input from both editors and celebs. Where else could you find a magazine cover with Harry Potter, Maggie Simpson, Edward Scissorhands, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer?  And lists written by Jodie Foster, Neil Gaiman, and and Liz Phair? 

Here's a list from none other than Viggo Mortensen, who reveals his top 10 pieces of advice he's heard on movie sets.  There's something for everyone here, I think.  (True, I'm biased because I adore him. But I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.)

1. ''One job at a time, and each job a success.''

2. ''Whatever you are feeling at this moment can be useful, no matter how far removed or even distracting it may seem from the scene you are playing. That is as close to 'real' as you will ever get.''

3. ''There is no way in hell that's going to work. That is the worst idea I have heard today — perhaps ever. Are you trying to single-handedly ruin my movie?''

4. ''Try it — what's the harm? It's only film and time.''

5. ''No hay dolor.'' (''There is no pain.'')

6. ''All you really need to play the moment is air and water.''

7. ''When in doubt, admit it.''

8. ''Don't tell me; show me.''

9. ''Censors tend to do what only psychotics do: They confuse reality with illusion.''

10. ''I love you.''

Happy weekend, everyone!

The Other Boleyn Girl, which released this week on DVD, features Natalie Portman (as Anne Boleyn) scheming, dazzling, and huffing, while Scarlett Johansson (as her younger sister, Mary) is timid, unassuming, and perpetually crestfallen that her own flesh and blood would become her rival for the affections of the king. While Johansson remains pale and peasantly, Portman is dressed in bold colors and rich fabrics, none more prominent than the emerald-green gown she wears when she seduces Henry VIII (Eric Bana) with the ultimatum that she won't sleep with him until she becomes his queen. It matches Anne's personality: she's sexy, confident, and at times, very reptilian. This made me think of other prominent green gowns in cinema:

Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. The color was ever-present not just because it matched her eyes, but because it was a mark of wealth and prosperity (there was ne'er a shade present when she was scrubbing on her hands and knees); indeed it's no coincidence that it's the color of the famous dress constructed out of velvet curtains to convince Rhett Butler she's doing just fine, thank you.

Gwyneth Paltrow as Estella in Great Expectations

Green was the color of choice for director Alfonso Cuaron, who asked even the crew and extras to wear the color during production. The characters all wore green but none more so than Paltrow, whose heartbreaker-la-femme wardrobe for the film was designed by "Queen of Black" Donna Karan.

In more recent times, green also makes the definitive statement for:

Keira Knightley as Cecilia in Atonement: Most recently voted the favorite movie gown of all time, this floor-length dress was the most buzzed-about thing in the film (aside from the Dunkirk tracking shot) and was worn during the big library love scene.

Anne Hathaway as Andy in The Devil Wears Prada: Once she jumps from the turquoise/cerulean sweaters and loafers to high fashion, Andy is seen in striking, fashion-forward ensembles in white, black, and--you guessed it--green.

Other honorable mentions:

(Yes, we know Jennifer Lopez's dress is not from a film. But when you put "fashion," "green," "confident" and "sexy" together, the mind cannot help making the jump). -- Ellen

If you're already watching "30 Rock," you'll know what I mean when I say that Liz Lemon would never expect to be on the cover of Marie Claire (even though she might wish for it, but would never tell anyone while sober). Lo and behold, this week, we have not one, but two glam Tina Fey covers to celebrate.  All this after last month's slightly naughty Vanity Fair cover with her, Amy Poehler, and Sarah Silverman.  Are women funny, indeed.

So I have to ask: has any other "SNL" Weekend Update anchor ever tackled this many careers at once? From writer to actor to model to Hollywood power girl, Tina has catapulted from proud geek to ironically chic in just a few short years.

Nothing else quite has the cache of a fashion magazine cover. Does Tina's success mean that we'll see more women on the covers of magazines who represent more than just a pretty face? Only time will tell. But I'm pretty sure that's what Liz Lemon would want.