Looks great, but due to physics, the braid with swing away from the side that is reaching up.

The idle animation will still need to be a side-view, as if the character were walking and just stopped.

Random thought; what would she look like with a nose, especially a comically bulbous nose? Then you could have the front of the helmet rest on said nose.

Love the face!!!

The game splash screen, banner, and logo could be based on a non-blocky version of this same character, holding a giant diamond and making an "ooooooooooo" face.

The other reason to have the braid swing opposite to the hand is to complement the character's motion line.

Yes, definitely! It adds a lot to the face.

I still love this. The nose will make it even more comical. :o)