The key to being cute is THINKING you're cute. Stand up straight, smile, and just know that you kick ass
Have you tried a metal-barrel round brush? I use one to blowdry my hair and it makes it curl under really nicely, and makes it really full. It basically works like a big curler, but quicker.
Maybe you could try showering before bed? If you style your hair well enough at night, it shouldn't look too bad when you brush it in the morning