When it comes to shopping of any kind, I look for the whole package. To me, it’s not JUST about the item I’m coming to get - it’s the experience. I’ll drive an extra 3 minutes to go to Harris Teeter over the Food Lion that’s one minute away from my house. If I go out to eat, I don’t just want great food - I want great service, a nice atmosphere and comfortable seats. And I’ll drive all the way to Mosaic District to the Sophie Blake Pop Up instead of ordering online because I LOVE their shop, their vibes and of course, being able to see Sophie herself!
I’ll be honest - I didn’t think I could have the whole package with a nail place. Hunting for the perfect spot is honestly exhausting. They either cut my nails too short, the mani doesn’t last long enough, the color selection is lacking or the nail esthetician constantly reminds me how short my nails are (please, I don’t need to be reminded.)
Luckily, the ultra chic Varnish Lane has planted itself in Washington! You guys know I love supporting local businesses and the family who runs this salon are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met (hiiii, Lauren!)
Just a short walk from the Friendship Heights metro, Varnish Lane is a convenient place for locals to pop by and enjoy their services over lunch (although if I could go back in time, I’d go on a Sunday when I could enjoy their luxe services and get a pedi too!) Not only do the have an insane selection of polishes (Christian Loubotin, Chanel, Deborah Lippmann and Mischo to name a few) but the interior is something out of Pinterest. Cozy couches, a cowhide rug, and the prettiest bohemian plant (sorry not good with plant names) invite you to enjoy the waiting area.
And then you see the wall. It’s huge. All the best polishes beckon my name and I can’t decide which one I like most.
“We can do each nail a different color!” the nail esthetician offers.
I actually consider it for a moment.
I end up with a pretty mocha color from Chanel (CHANEL, YOU GUYS!) While I thought I’d miss the water element to my mani, it went by seamlessly without it. And my nail esthetician treated my nails as a doctor would. She didn’t cut my nails too short and gave me some tips on how I could keep my nail beds moisturized (cuticle LOTION, not cuticle oil.)
When the mani finished, I was slow to leave. Maybe I’ll take one last look at the bracelets they had for sale. Or actually, where’s your restroom? And by the way, how would you feel about me living here forever and never leaving? COOL? K.
ALSO they are hosting a contest through November 30 where you can win a mani and pedi! (see my entry here!) Just show off your Varnish Lane mani with your fave spot in DC and use hashtag “getvarnished” to enter! Good luck! (You’ll need it with my entry haha!) ;)
Varnish Lane is located at 5236 44th St. NW Washington, DC 20015. You can make an appointment online or call 202-506-5308.
