Viewfinder: Weather Doesn't Stop Shoppers at Fashion's Night Out

In spite of dreary weather, streets were buzzing with area residents scoping out Birmingham stores participating in Thursday evening.

Fashion’s Night Out, which launched in 2009 in New York City, is meant to jump-start the economy by getting shoppers back into stores. Twelve Birmingham stores were open late Thursday night as part of the national effort and to celebrate Birmingham’s unique fashion scene. This was Birmingham's second year participating.

and both received a lot of foot traffic during the evening. Anthropologie hosted its second annual fashion show, while guests enjoyed fashion bingo and could have their photos taken at Tender. Various other downtown stores offered passersby appetizers, freebies and drinks.

Models also were scattered throughout downtown Birmingham, perched on pedestals and showcasing apparel from Fashion's Night Out participating stores. 

"I'm happy with the turnout this evening," Karen Daskas, co-owner of Tender, said.

"We didn't know what to expect, but I think it turned out well," said Anthony Marsalese, owner of .