When I got a glimpse of Sarah Jessica Parker's dress for the New York premiere of Sex and the City 2 a cry escaped from my lips that was equivalent to a man winning the lottery, or a baby calf being born (yes, that attractive). Neon, highlighter yellow Valentino – gor-geous! After I got over the shock of the dress, my eyes migrated up to SJP's head, where I exclaimed an equally excited cry over her new blonde tresses!

SJP has sported many a hair look both on screen as Carrie Bradshaw and off, but this color is definitely lighter than her usual hue and perfect for summer. In my own quest for lighter locks, I love the mantra Senior Editor Andrea gave me when it comes to hair — "lighter, brighter, happier." A brunette all my life with virgin hair (never colored before!) SJP's new 'do has me thinking it might be time to take the plunge.

Right now I consider myself in hair purgatory. I have dreams about frolicking in fields with Chuck Bass as a blonde, yet in the morning when I look at myself in the mirror it's hard to picture anything on my head aside from brown. If you are thinking about a new color like I am consider the following:

Coloring your hair can be high maintenance. This is probably the biggest hurdle I will have to get over if I decide to go lighter. Living in New York isn't cheap, especially when you buy a new pair of shoes every month (guilty!). Think about your budget and whether you will be willing to spend the time and money to get your roots touched up, etc.

Think of your skin tone. I have naturally olive skin, which means brunette works best on me, but that doesn't necessarily mean I can’t pull off blonde if it is the right shade. Talk to a stylist and see which shade from the blonde/brunette family will compliment your skin tone best.

Consider your mood. The reason I am so prone to go lighter for summer is because I have no reason not to! I'm not doing it in result of a breakup or major mental crisis, I just think it would be fun. Consider what's going on in your life — if you are having a freak out moment, hold off on the dye. If it's going to make you feel better, great! If you think it will fix something bigger that you need to address, think again before heading to the salon.

Got a coloring story for better or worse? Help me make my decision and post yours below!

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