After weighing all opinions (thanks to everyone who voted! I really appreciate your input!) I realized my lust for Gwyneth's long bob just wasn't going to go away. So, picture in hand, I went to see my stylist (who also happens to be my SIL) yesterday.  When she was finished, I wasn't sure if I loved the results or not. At the time I thought my mixed emotions had something to do with the fact that my hair hasn't been this short since the third grade (it came out about an inch shorter than my muse's due to an ill-conceived hooded sweatshirt worn underneath the cursory haircutting cape which elevated my shoulder line;) now I realize it's because the 'do didn't morph me into Ms. Paltrow's exact carbon copy look-alike as I'd secretly hoped (which is not necessarily the stylist's fault.)

That said, after trying it out for the better part of nine hours now, I adore my new hair. I think I've gotten past my preconceived notions enough to really embrace the length ... and all the obligatory praise its garnered from my friends hasn't hurt either!