Angst and Blink Blanco Open Flagship Stores in National Harbor

Local entrepreneur and founder of White House | Black Market, Richard Sarmiento, is pleased to announce the opening of Angst (www.angstgirl.com) and Blink Blanco (www.blinkblanco.com); two new women’s clothing and accessory stores under one roof, located in National Harbor, Maryland (169 through 171 American Way, Oxon Hill, Maryland | National Harbor Center).

Angst and Blink Blanco feature an integrated store set-up offering separate shopping areas and different looks in each brand for their customers. Angst caters to a younger, bohemian styled girl, who isn’t afraid of who she is and isn’t afraid to make a stylized choice in her fashion trends; while Blink Blanco trends to lean towards a young professional who need great work pieces and even better weekend outfits.

Sarmiento explains the inspiration behind Angst was “having two teenage daughters I was struck by the anxiety and “angst” they would go through in interacting with friends at social events.  It was so obvious to me that too many young women worry way too much about what everyone else “thinks” about how they look and act”, he explains.  In response Sarmiento decided to take action, focusing on helping these young women develop confidence in their own decisions.  From that point forward, Blink Blanco followed “suite” and Sarmiento quickly casted the brand to compliment the other, creating a truly visual space where one can be lost for hours, mixing and matching.

Blink Blanco is a store full of bright, bold colorful clothing and accessories, offering contemporary and fashionable clothing for women who want to bring the fun back to fashion.  “Globally inspired, boasting rich and vibrant colors, paired with unique prints and patterns, offers a fresh mix of apparel & accessories for younger thinking woman of any age”, explains Sarmiento. The store strives to create an atmosphere of individuality and confidence.

“Following the crowd is usually not the way to go if you want to be successful in life”, Sarmiento continues.  “When women shop with us at Angst or Blink Blanco they are going to be making their own decision...we will certainly assist customers by providing great looking clothing ensembles, accessories and jewelry, but it is their ultimate call and when they leave the store, believe me…they will be creating the trends, not following them!” 

In 2004 Sarmiento, visionary behind of White House | Black Market negotiated the sale of his 110 store chain to the nationally recognized specialty company Chico’s FAS.  “People want value and have a need to be appreciated.  You have to make sure every customer is recognized and know how much they mean to a company”.   Sarmiento characterizes his job as being the “advocate” for his customers, explaining “the customer knows what they want, and it is not the store or the sales associates place to try and tell them. We have to listen to the little clues and pay attention to the nuances of their comments, but overall listen.”