Do Un-Natural Blondes Still Have More Fun?

So in an attempt to save money, I'm holding off on highlighting my hair for as long as possible.  This means my roots are starting like Shakira's, making it very obvious that I'm not a natural blonde.

I've been contemplating getting the ombre look to make my root grow out less noticable, and so that I don't have to get my hair done as often.  However, I'm still emotionally scarred by my sophomore year when I went brunette, which was not a great look for me.  My inspiration for the ombre look is obviously the one and only, Lauren Conrad.

I also gave myself an awesome manicure yesterday that I'm quite proud of.  While I love nothing more than getting a professional mani and pedi, I'm glad my free alternative actually turned out quite well.