Thanks so much girls! I had a veeeeeeeery long day at work today (read: i JUST got off work now - i left the house at 10:30 this morning) and it was so great to come home and read all your wonderful, sweet comments!
to anyone that is considering changing things up and going dark, TRY IT! brunette is the new blond, i promise you!
the best thing is that i didn't have ANY pictures and only a vague idea of what i wanted and i chose a brand new salon in town that opened and a random stylist. i got my hair dyed 2 hours after deciding to make the appointment and just told her that i wanted darker and maybe a little reddish and to do what she wanted - and she did a PHENOMENAL job! plus the salon served alcohol, so i got a free beer!
i honestly couldn't be happier with it - i've been wearing a lot of strapless or tank tops or dresses because i adore the contrast of my super-dark hair against my fairly pale skin. it's just so much different than what i've seen in the mirror for years! plus, the blond hilights were making it look very dry and damaged, and the brown makes it look healthy and shiny.
blond is over! go brunette, girls!