Mother Essentials: Elizabeth Rees
Written by Erin Feher
Today’s Mother Essentials subject has ink in her blood. Elizabeth Rees was the third generation tapped to work at the Kubin-Nicholson printing company, a grand-format printing plant in Milwaukee, WI that her dad and uncle inherited from their father. She grew up learning the ins and outs of ink, paper, and patterns, although the family business revolved more around the less-than-sexy art of billboards, bus wraps, and point-of-sale displays. With the belief that printing is not only a family tradition, but also a craft, Elizabeth carved out her own path in paper by developing a line of formative removable wallpaper (which she printed in that 100-year-old plant) that is both accessible and design-conscious. She launched her own company, Chasing Paper, in 2013, at the age of 26. Since then, the brand has expanded to wall decals, art prints, and more. Elizabeth has adeptly kept pace with changing trends by partnering with companies and artists such as ban.do, Pottery Barn, Penguin Random House, Rebecca Atwood, Carolyn Suzuki, Pehr Designs, Lisa Congdon, Nickelodeon, and many more. Her latest releases? Her one year-old daughter, Uma, and a second baby, due to arrive this summer. We had to know what keeps this sharp start-up founder on her game. Below, Elizabeth shares her current Mother Essentials.
Dodo Banana PJs. “We LOVE these PJs created and designed by our friend Alessandra Olanow!” Fries and Shakes PJs, $55, Dodo Banana.
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask. “I have a very simple skin routine, but this is something I try to now do once a week. My skin feels so soft and clean after using it.” Resurfacing Mask, $65, Tata Harper.
Knuffle Bunny. “I read this book to the boys I nannied for in my early twenties, and as a gift, they gave it to me to read to Uma. I have likely read it about 1000 times and think it’s sweet every time.” Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems, $12.97, Amazon.
Chasing Paper Tile Series. “I’m personally a big fan of our Tile Series, which is inspired by the intricate tiles that are everywhere in Porto and Barcelona. As a former New Yorker, they’re an ideal backsplash for serial renters; in my own home, I’ve used the Starburst Tile in the entirety of one of our bathrooms.” Chasing Paper Tile Series, $40, Chasing Paper.
Illesteva Sunglasses. “I have had the Leonard sunnies for years; they are classic, go with everything, and hide any tired eyes!” Illesteva Leonard Mirrored Round Sunglasses, $177, Bloomingdale’s.
Come Together Art Print. “Now, more than ever, this print’s sentiment is a cheerful reminder of hope and positivity. It’s great in a kid’s room, but also as a splash of color in a neutral living room.” Chasing Paper x Ampersand Design Studio Come Together Art Print, $95, Chasing Paper.
Baby Carhartt Hat. “Best $8 I have spent! We got Uma the hot pink one, and she has worn it almost every day this winter. It’s soft, the perfect size, and just generally makes her the most adorable baby anywhere we go!” Carhartt Kids’ Acrylic Watch Hat, $7.99, Amazon.
Universal Standard Kanda Puffer. “I love the shape and unique silhouette of this puffer! It makes me feel put together even if I am bundled up—which is a lot in Wisconsin!” Kanda Puffer, $238, Universal Standard.
Caudelie Beauty Elixir. “I bought this on a whim the last time I was at Sephora and LOVE it. It gives my skin such a refreshing burst throughout the day!” Caudelie Beauty Elixir, $18, Sephora.
Cuyana Tote. “Even though we got a few more traditional diaper bags when Uma was born, my Cuyana tote is the bag I use everyday. I take it to work and on the weekends—just throw in a few diapers and teething crackers, and we are on our way!” Classic Structured Leather Tote, $195, Cuyana.
Comotomo Bottles. “I was so relieved that Uma loved these bottles. They are so easy to clean and have been easy for her to hold on her own as well.” Comotomo Baby Bottle, $22.98, Amazon.
Gola Tennis Sneakers. “I live in these sneakers. They look so cute with jeans, but can also work with a midi silk skirt.” Gola Classics Women’s Tennis Mark Cox Trainer, $65, Zappos.
HATCH Nipple + Lip Cream. “This was amazing pre and post baby, but since breastfeeding did not work for us for very long, I love that this product is versatile! I used it on my lips, as well as on Uma when she gets chapped hands or cheeks.” Nipple + Lip Cream, $28, HATCH.
Willaby Geo Burp Cloths. “I splurged a bit and bought two of these before Uma was born. I also got lots of cheapies from Amazon. I think I have maybe one from Amazon left and both my Wallaby cloths are still in perfect condition. They are so thick and durable, but still incredibly soft. We actually used them as a carseat blanket when our girl was just a peanut!” Geo Burp Cloth, $28, Willaby.
For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with designers Anna Wallack, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Atwood, Dana Haim, Rachel Zoe, and Taylor Jay, Olympian Alysia Montano, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, cookbook author Hetal Vasavada, Partake founder Denise Woodard, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, June & January founder Amy Richardson-Golia, Bubbsi founder Sweta Doshi, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, Shahidah Zareef of Bossmom Nation, Joanne Encarnacion, LaTonya Yvette, Morgan Walker of Make.do, Iguehi James, and more!
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