By Gabriel Bell, Photographed by Maia Harms
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Fancy a magazine with Rachel Antonoff on the cover instead of Kim Kardashian? Would you rather read about Josephine Baker than Kristen Stewart? Well, you’re probably a
Matchbook
girl.
Bravely launched in 2011, Matchbook is an adorably addictive, online periodical published by two friends with a yen for classic decor and timeless style. The self-proclaimed "field guide to a charmed life" is already beloved by a growing army of girls (some of whom work at Refinery29), thanks in large part to its co-founder and editorial director, Katie Armour, the pixie-cut physical representation of her title's aesthetic.
An open-eyed optimist with a killer design sense and a look to match, Armour invited us into her brand-new Manhattan home/office to show us how the new paperless magazine publisher lives and works, offering drops of style advice for the next generation of aspiring writers and editors — wherever they're going to be published.
Internet Explorer
“Growing up, I always loved glossy magazines, but I never foresaw a future in digital publishing (I mean, it didn’t really exist back then). When I was working in residential interior design, I was always blogging about pieces I loved. Eventually, I teamed up with Jane, my business partner and close friend from college, to create an online magazine about all the reinvented classics we admired. She would do the creative direction and would I head up the editorial — a dream job, really.”
Office Space
“I work from home on the Upper East Side. Actually, I just moved to New York 48 hours ago! My husband and I drove cross-country from San Francisco in a truck with our two pugs — such an adventure. I’m all about surrounding myself with inspiring art, books, and decoration, and love that my work and home life are all rolled into one. As an entrepreneur, I’m always on — from when I write emails on the sofa with my morning coffee to when I’m tweeting while watching Girls in bed. Above my desk, I have art of inspiring women like Frida Kahlo and Diana Vreeland. They remind me to dream big.”
An Editor’s Closet
“As a lifestyle editor I float between several industries — fashion, shelter, art, and so forth. My outfits need to transition from a photo shoot to a cocktail party, so I keep things practical yet chic. Thankfully, my traditional-with-a-twist style transitions well. I’m not one to chase trends; I’m more about forever pieces. In true Matchbook fashion, I wear lots of classics — A-line dresses, cigarette pants, and ballet flats. I want to feel polished but relaxed, and I love nothing more than a black pencil skirt with a chambray shirt or a soft, boyfriend cardigan with a silk statement scarf.”
Business Models
“I was lucky to work for some very stylish decorators on both coasts early in my career and tried to take lots of notes! Whether they were on a job site or meeting with clients, they always looked professional yet stylish — lots of tailored pieces with panache. Also, my grandmother in California has a fabulous sense of style. Watching her over the years influenced me immensely. She wore a giraffe-print wrap dress to my wedding with these enormous pearls...so chic. She’s in her 70s and still turning heads.”
Collect The Classics
"If you want to make a lasting impression, be polished, but still reflect your own, personal style. Try to remember that dressing is a way of honoring the occasion and showing respect for those you meet. You don’t have to wear a suit to look professional, confident, and stylish. Go for the classics, but always with a hint of flair.”
Levi's Gingham Check Dress, $88, available at Levi.com.
Photographed by Maia Harms, Hair by Bryan Feiss, Makeup by Tiffany Patton.
in NYC