Guest post: Outdoor Shopping Therapy – on a Budget

image001 I came across a photo a few weeks ago that was so compelling; I had to share it with you. It took me to where I was at the moment in 1996 to where I am today…

At the time, my 4 year old daughter Amanda and I were sitting outside in the Colorado sunshine enjoying an ice cream cone. We had spent the day with family and friends, enjoying the beautiful setting, and bargain shopping at the Outlets at Castle Rock – one of my favorite past times.

Fast-forward to today. I have been the Marketing Director for the Outlets at Castle Rock for 4 years and when I connect with the shoppers…there is a common thread to the times I spent here with my family and friends as a customer. I have the ability to work in a gorgeous location, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. With the Outlets at Castle Rock being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Colorado, it affords me and my team the chance to meet people from all walks of life and literally from across the globe.

image002I have found that whether I meet someone from Australia, France, England, Mexico (and many other parts of the world) or a shopper who lives down the street….they all share a common bond. They love shopping at a center with such a beautiful outdoor setting and the ability to find brands at incredible savings…it’s a great way to spend the day. There aren’t many shopping centers where you can bring your family and friends (and your dog too) and spend the day enjoying the outdoor weather (Colorado has 300+ days of sun a year); the selection of over 100 name brand stores and the values that allow your dollars to go further.

So with Mother’s Day coming up, I did a lot of shopping at the center for my mom and sisters and came across some must-haves.

  1. Skinny Jeans. Still so “in” and with the new colors this season…a must have for every wardrobe. Michael Kors opened at the center in the fall 2012 and has become a favorite of mine. 50% off clearance last week – picked up a cute pair for less than $30. (retail price over $99)
  2. Bright colors are not just for clothing anymore. Check out this great ipad case from Michael Kors…just $29.
  3. Nine West is the go-to designer for cute handbags. It’s such a great transitional piece for spring…and so in right now.
  4. Fun colors are the theme this spring – and I love the Le Creuset cookware! They are celebrating Mom the whole month of May with a selection of their cookware at 35% off.
  5. Turquoise jewelry is a long-lasting trend that will never go out of style. Silverheels Jewelry at the center carries some of the finest artisan’s jewelry and pottery in the region.


Did you know it’s become more and more fashionable to be thrifty? Even the celebrities are doing it. They buy a Gucci handbag and pair it with an outfit from H&M and are proud to announce how much they spent on all of it. For the budget-savvy woman, there are ways to spend wisely and still get the quality, designer brand names and selection you have come to expect at full price retailers. Shopping at outlet centers is not what it was even 10 years ago. Many designer brands now create clothing lines specific for the outlets, including Banana Republic, J. Crew, Loft Outlet, Columbia and more. The quality and style is the same, but some of the elements might be a little different…which allows the designer to pass the savings on to you, the customer.

The Outlets at Castle Rock has gone through many exciting changes over the last few years, including a food court renovation where many families come to relax and enjoy the fireplaces and big screen TV’s and grab a bite to eat at one of our many restaurants. We’ve had over 15 new stores open over the last 18 months at the center; including some of the favorites of mom’s everywhere (including my Mom): White House Black Market, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Loft Outlet, Le Creuset, Michael Kors, Aldo and so many more! And…we’ve got many more new stores in 2013 we’re going to be announcing soon.

image011So back to my daughter…who is now 20 years old and living abroad in England for her spring semester. She is a junior at CSU in Fort Collins and had the ability to study in another country for 5 months.

She has literally worn out her Nikes traveling to over 20 countries since January of this year. So…being the good mom that I am 🙂 – I sent her an image of Nikes that I knew that she would love (and didn’t break my budget either. I was able to get them for less than $27 during the Nike friends and family event). image012Amanda will be coming home in 2 weeks and I can’t wait to share in her many experiences she has had while traveling abroad…knowing that my daughter will most likely take her new Nikes on her next excursion across the globe.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone…

Lisa Zetah and her husband Tom are proud parents to Amanda, a 20 year old junior at CSU who is currently studying abroad in England.  Currently empty-nesters, they are soon to be housing two 20 year olds for the summer.  Lisa’s daughter, who is going to be an intern for the Colorado PGA and Lisa’s nephew Alex, who is currently a junior at Indiana University will be interning with Cook & Associates as a Financial Analyst. When not hanging out with her family and friends, Lisa spends her days as the Marketing Director at one of her all time favorite outlet shopping centers – the Outlets at Castle Rock.

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