this time really maybe

Some of you may remember that about 6 months ago I did a whole post on shorter haircuts.  I was really in the mood to chop it all off, and looking for inspiration and encouragement.  I got both, (thanks!), but still somehow managed to do absolutely nothing with my hair.  What can I say, I kind of love my hair.  It's strong, thick, healthy, and long.  Not that I can take any credit for it, because lord knows I certainly don't do much take care of it, style it, or even, let's be honest, brush it.  But I've had long hair for the past 10 years and I'm fairly attached to it (sorry for the unavoidable pun).  I'm brave with color, but not so much with scissors. 

But it's 2012 now, and I'm feeling bolder and a wee bit more adventurous, and on the verge of actually maybe really doing it this time.  This has me pinning like a mad woman, so I thought I'd share.

Freja, of course, still has a place of honor at the top of the inspiration pile:

ScarJo's shattered bob has also managed to stay burned into my retinas:

But I'm also looking at Alexa (though sometimes she does look a little too bedraggled):

See more inspiration (and some people I'd rather not end up looking like) after the jump...

January Jones and Elizabeth Olsen both have a similar cut:

It may not be anything out of the ordinary, but it's swingy shorter length seems so refreshing and freeing to me.  Look at all that movement you'd get when you turn your head!

And then there's Ashely Olsen:

I love the longer pieces in the front.  My hair is actually layered the other way though, so I don't know if I even have enough length around my face to achieve this.  So cute though, right?

So, more or less, you get the gist of it.  No pixies, no mohawks, nothing really outrageous, just something with more life and movement and freedom.  No bangs, cause they just get in my way, and I absolutely have to be able to pull it back into a ponytail/bun, even if it is a tiny one.  And I want it to be tousled, messy, slightly edgy.  I guess I'm worried it'll turn into this:

No offense Sandra/Gwyneth/Heidi/Mandy, you're lovely, I just don't want your hair. 

Phew!  That was a long post.  If you have any words of wisdom/encouragement/advice/warning, please share!

last four images from coolmediumlengthhairstyles, dailymakeover, zimbio, and newhairstylegallery, for all other image sources (and tons more photos) please check my pinterest page