Restore Sneaker Colors Using Everyday Items

Sneakers, those everyday companions that take us through miles of memories, often lose their vibrant luster over time. However, there’s no need to bid farewell to your favorite pair just yet. In this article, we’re diving into a simple, yet effective method to breathe new life into your sneakers, restoring their bright colors using readily available household products (if you prefer ready made cleaner, check this one that I have used too). This economical and eco-friendly approach not only brings back the charm of your worn-out kicks but also emphasizes the joy of DIY solutions in maintaining your cherished footwear. Let’s get started on this journey of transformation, turning those faded sneakers back into eye-catching statements of style.

You Will Need:

  • Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Laundry Detergent
  • Toothbrush (I use a small soft bristle cleaning brush): For scrubbing small, hard-to-reach areas.
  • Cloth or Sponge: For general cleaning, I don’t use that sponge for anything else… don’t forget what you might have stepped in..
  • Warm Water: To create cleaning solutions.
  • Paper Towels or Old Newspapers: For stuffing the sneakers to maintain shape while drying.
  • Optional: Hydrogen Peroxide or Lemon Juice: Works nicely for those extra stubborn stain removal.

Steps:

  • Create the Cleaning Paste:
    • Mix 2 parts baking soda, 1 part laundry detergent, and a bit of warm water.
    • For the tough stains, you can add a little of the hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice to the mix. 
  • Be extra cautious with leather; use a leather cleaner instead of the baking soda mixture.
  • Remove Excess Dirt: Start by brushing off any loose dirt from your sneakers, or rinse with a brush under running water. 
  • Apply the Paste:
    • Use the toothbrush to apply the paste onto the fabric, scrubbing gently.
    • Focus on stained areas but be careful with colored fabrics as harsh scrubbing might fade the colors especially around the edges.
  • Vinegar for Tough Stains:
    • If stains persist, apply a mixture of white vinegar and water.
    • Use a cloth or sponge to dab the mixture onto the stains.
  • Rinse: After scrubbing, rinse the sneakers with a damp cloth or small stream of running water to remove the paste.
  • Dry the Sneakers:
    • Stuff them with paper towels or old newspapers to maintain their shape.
    • Air dry the shoes away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. I put the shoes near a heater vent but not directing in front so there isn’t a blast of heat but there is air movement.
    • After the shoes dry, if you notice a white residue, it is the baking soda which can be gently brushed off.

A Couple Extra Items:

  • Test on Small Area: Before applying any solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area.
  • Do Not Use Bleach: Bleach can be harsh on sneakers and may cause discoloration, especially on colored fabrics.

Regular cleaning not only keeps your sneakers looking bright and fresh but also extends their life and pop in photo shoots. Remember, different materials may require different cleaning methods, so adjust accordingly.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

A Pinup Girl and her Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration

Yasmina Greco Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration
Yasmina Greco Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration

I had so much fun this past weekend on our latest Pinup photoshoot and the location was the fabulous Korbel Winery Champagne Cellar right here in our backyard of wine country California. Hubby and I were photographing a new collection launching very soon that I can’t talk too much about just yet but I will share more about very soon, and we did an impromptu sneaker shoot too. 

Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration
Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration

Nothing makes me happier than when I can combine a photoshoot with clothing, accessories, and shoes. Specifically an amazing pair of sold out fabulous sneakers. Here are some photos of the brand new silhouette Idealiste 237 Light Monogram Casablanca & New Balance Balance Collaboration. The light Casablanca Paris monogram green, dual stripe midsole detail with pink and green, gold lace tips, and embroidered branding on the heel. Inspiration for the design is said to have come from Casablanca founder and creative director, Charaf Tajer’s French and Moroccan heritage. The shoe sold out immediately but Gary managed to score us a pair!! If you are not familiar with the brand Casablanca Paris they are a brand that combines lux and leisurewear in amazing prints and fabulous colors. Take a look at their fashion shows and lookbooks.

Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration
Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration

Here are some pictures from our photoshoot and you can see just how perfectly they match my outfit. And yes, you can wear a runway worthy mainstream sneaker with a vintage 50s inspired dress and petticoat!! The shoe is incredibly comfortable too, it felt like I was walking on marshmallow clouds. Amazing style and comfort.

Yasmina Greco Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration
Yasmina Greco Casablanca Paris 237 New Balance Collaboration

A big thank you to Gary for all these fun and fabulous pictures.

Stay tuned for more blog posts as we have been working on lots of fun and amazing things the past few weeks. Also, for those of you following our Great San Francisco Pizza Tour of 2021 we have lots of new reviews and pizzas to share!!

Celebrating Lunar New Year in San Francisco Chinatown

Yasmina Greco San Francisco Chinatown Puma Supreme

I am so excited to share our Lunar New Year photo shoot we shot in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The inspiration for this photo shoot are the Puma RS-X Chinese New Year sneakers.  The remixed cubed sneaker with brilliant red, black and gold couldn’t be more perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year and my red Supreme hoodie with the gold Supreme is totally on point and really makes my outfit.

Yasmina Greco San Francisco Chinatown Puma Supreme
Yasmina Greco San Francisco Chinatown Puma Supreme

From Pinup to Street Style – Styling the Nike Air Max 90 Hyper Grape Sneaker

Being a Pinup model (who is also a major sneakerhead) I get to wear lots of retro and vintage inspired outfits and today’s post is all about going from retro style to streetwear, inspired by these fabulous Nike Air Max 90 Recraft sneakers in the awesome Hyper Grape color.

Hear is my before photo and you can see I’m wearing a 50s purple plaid circle skirt paired with a black 1950s bombshell inspired blouse, my matching vintage purple shoes and purse.

A little about the Air Max: Released originally in 1990 and designed by renowned Nike designer Tinker Hatfield. In celebrating the 30th anniversary of the sneaker in 2020, Nike has lots of new colorways and collabs coming. Hyper Grape was released in the US on January 9, 2020.

Review: Wearing my Nike Air Max 270 React to the Museum Of Ice Cream

Yasmina Greco Museum of Ice Cream

My hubby Gary and I spent a fun filled afternoon at the Museum of Ice Cream in San Francisco this weekend. I wore my new Nike Air Max 270 React Light Orewood Brown/Sail/Khaki/Hyper Crimson. These are actually my very first pair of Nike Air Max 270 React sneakers that my hubby gifted me.

Yasmina Greco Nike Air Max 270 React
Yasmina Greco Museum of Ice Cream Nike Air Max 270 React

We were on our feet for several hours at the Museum of Ice Cream and wondering around the interactive installations. The shoes put a nice pep in my step especially in the heel area as that is where the air unit is housed. I found the shoes to be incredibly light and airy and quite comfortable.  Yep, wearing men’s shoes and I love how Nike makes shoes that are unisex!!

Nike Air Max 270 React
Yasmina Greco Museum of Ice Cream Nike Air Max 270 React

The shoe colors of Light Orewood Brown/Sail/Khaki/Hyper Crimson are super fun and easy to match up to make an outfit. We took several pictures for you all. The Museum of Ice Cream has some fun Instagram worthy posing opportunities like the chic pink living room, the retro looking diner with glittery pink stools and there is ice cream to sample in every one of these rooms, the sprinkle pool, the alphabet cookie room, wall murals and so much more.

Review: This Curvy Girl is Going Unisex with her Nike Air Max 90 and Matching Sportswear

Nike Air Max 90 – Yasmina Greco

I thought it would be nice to start the New Year right off with a Nike review for you all about the Nike Air Max 90. The Air Max 90 was released in 1990 and is the second sneaker in the Air Max style. Nike gives the new Air Max 90s colored panels and a colorful Max Air unit for a popping finish. The Air Max 90s fit really well and are super comfortable and very stylish.

Nike Air Max 90 – Yasmina Greco

My first pair of Nike Air Max 90s and I got them in the great color combo of bright violet and white. In all honesty, these are men’s shoes!! I walked into a local Foot Locker to try on some Nike’s so I could see what style might work for me and was told from the women’s styles I picked out they had none in my size. I was bummed out!! The employee helping us was super nice and said to look in the men’s section, as a 9.5 size would work for me. I spotted these Air Max 90s and it was the turquoise blue color that caught my eyes and I was excited to try them on.

The 9.5 size worked out and now I needed a matching top. This particular store must not have restocked yet after the holidays because their women’s section was bare. I did find this turquoise top in sixe XL (again in the men’s section) and it matched the shoes perfectly so I scooped it up too. I love that in today’s world a girl can totally rock men’s shoes and shirts making it unisex and with turquoise being my favorite color, I was having a great shopping day.

Nike Air Max 90 – Yasmina Greco

On a side note, I know that Nike did come out with a plus size women’s line last year and I already have some of their items (posts to follow) and that I think it is so important for sportswear manufacturers to be size inclusive as many of the top brands are still only carrying sizes up to XL and some of us girls are curvy and need larger sizes in their clothing so we can be active and comfortable. Nike is definitely leading the size inclusivity category!!

Here are some pictures my sweet hubby Gary and I shot on New Year’s Day with the t-shirt and the Nike Air Max 90s. You can also see how I styled the outfit.

Nike Air Max 90 – Yasmina Greco

If you’ve been reading my blog you can probably tell I am partial to Puma RS-X shoes and in comparing these Air Max 90s to Puma RS-X sneakers I’d say they are a very high quality, light weight running shoes but don’t have as much cushioning as the Puma RS-X. But, the style of the Air Max 90s and colors are on point!! It is a great sneaker and I will be adding more to my closet.

Nike Air Max 90 – Yasmina Greco

Hurry on over to Foot Locker to snap up this Nike Air Max 90 (looks to be sold out already on the Nike website)

Nike Air Max 90 – Yasmina Greco