NY to LA

My fave spot for a mani/pedi used to be a cheap-o, quick stop on Fifth Ave. in Brooklyn. When they asked me my name and I replied “Jess,” they somehow heard “Jasmine” and called me that for the entire remainder of my patronage.

Now that I live in LA, keeping up appearances is a local requirement. It’s been months of sampling quickie, mostly Asian run nail salons on Fairfax. I also tried the Suzy’s Nails on the corner of Curson and Santa Monica.

These are good digs in a pinch on a Sunday when all else is closed or when I have a hot date and need some fast nail attention. I’ve had a few sessions at the moderately chic La Vie L’Orange on Robertson but their complete lack of pampering didn’t reflect their elevated prices.

For my birthday a few months ago, a friend gave me a gift certificate to the celeb packed, not so secret, Jessica Nail Clinic on Sunset Boulevard in the Sunset Plaza who have catered to the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson and Halle Berry.

I decided to cash in on my friend’s gift and it was worth every penny I did not pay. I made an appointment for 10am on a Monday; not knowing that this is their least busy day and hour, making for a surprisingly relaxing quiet session.

I was introduced to an older woman, Erika, who was soft-spoken and kind. She brought me to her station and started to work her magic. My nails are kept very short as a result of years in New York City where dirt seemed to collect under the tips on the daily. Erika gave me great tips on how to keep the cuticles hydrated (olive oil) and the nail beds soft (use a file on the nail bed.)

Not only are these ladies known for their fab Salon talents but the clinic carries their own popular nail polish line as well.

My nails were cleaned and primped and painted in Jessica color, Hype. The service is usually $30. Which is a bit more than my days of paying five bucks in a Brooklyn nail hut, but totally worth it for the star treatment (and sightings) alone”¦ at least here at Jessica, I’ll never be “Jazmine” again!