The Hitlist: January 2024

Welcome to 2024! We’ve found the best things to listen to, watch, read and do, so you can celebrate a fresh start in style!

Two years on from their last album ‘Back In Love City’, The Vaccines have announced their sixth studio album, ‘Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations’ (the title coming from a misremembered lyric from Don McLean's American Pie “I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck / With a pink carnation in a pick-up truck”) due to be released on the 12th January. Loss in many different forms fuels ‘Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations’ – a theme that Young said has been a part of The Vaccines’ DNA for a long time, with the first single from the album, ‘Heartbreak Kid’, detailing romantic loss set to widescreen, surging guitars and a punchy, anthemic rhythm section.

It’s back – finally! If you’ve not seen the first season of The Traitors, where have you been?! This bingeable reality series sees contestants take on physical and mental challenges to boost the prize pot money for the finalists. A game of trust, lies and mental strength, the contestants are split into two groups; Faithfuls and Traitors - the catch is, no one knows who is in what group and if there are any Traitors left in the group by the final they will walk away with the entire prize; if they are all flushed out, the remaining Faithful contestants share it between them.

Say hello to the brand-new fresh and provocative story from the celebrated bestselling author of Such A Fun Age, Kiley Reid. Based in 2017 at the University of Arkansas, this novel follows Millie Cousins, a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students. When Millie is offered an easy yet unusual opportunity, she jumps at the chance, but her starry-eyed hustle becomes jeopardised by odd new friends, vengeful dorm pranks and illicit intrigue.

From emojis to plushie toys Somerset House is exploring the irresistible force of cuteness in its latest exhibition. Collecting together contemporary artworks and cultural phenomena including music, fashion, toys, video games and social media, the show attempts to find out how cuteness has become so influential. 

Looking for some more styling inspiration? Head over to Katie’s Blog where you’ll find styling tips, insider info on the latest launches, and lots more!