As a kid, you have to have cool people to run around with. I grew up with a cousin who loved to play outside, was (thankfully) an expert on keeping me out of trouble and always gave good advice. Fast forward to the present, where she’s teaching women all around the world how to be successful in their business market. That advice-giving never stopped!

Annika Martins will tell you like it is, which is why I love her so. She is delightfully down to earth while tackling issues that are normally sensitive or hard to deal with, and she has a great sense of humor. Homegirl is an avid video blogger - you can check out her videos on her website, and she tweets, too!

Also, if you are in the market for vegetarian/vegan food, Annika knows what’s up.

Since Annika and I grew up together in the Caribbean, it came as no surprise to me that her birthday band pick conjures up some tropical themes. And frankly, kids, it’s cold here in NYC, so I’m glad I got to look at some warm weather goodies!

I give you Annika’s picks… get ready to get your groove on.

Business woman du jour and general bad-ass, Annika Martins.

Vagrant Isle: So, you have an unlimited budget and a warehouse-sized time machine, should you need it. Who do you hire to play your birthday party?

Annika Martins: I actually prefer birthdays to be super low-key quiet affairs with a very small guest list. For me, wild raucous parties are best on random Tuesday nights when nobody saw it coming, so envisioning this hypothetical birthday extravaganza took me a second. In the end, I was inspired by my recent love affair with the burritos at Hot Beans Vegan in Kensington Market, so I’ve decided to make it a Latin night. Gypsy Kings opening for Buena Vista Social Club. Volare!

Vegan burrito from Hot Beans Vegan. Hellz yeah.

VI: I suppose I should have told everyone off the bat that you live in Canada, because I know I’m a little depressed that I can’t get that burrito. Speaking of locations, where are we having your party?

AM:  It’s gotta be in the Caribbean and on a beach, so let’s try Gibbs Cay (an uninhabited island just off Grand Turk). Tiki torches, white couches and one lone hammock strung up between the coconut trees way down at the other side of the beach. The dark side.

Gibbs Cay. Oh, word?

VI: I googled Gibbs Cay and lost about five minutes of my life looking at pictures of the beach there. Approved. So why these bands?

AM: Beyond the burrito reference above, their music (even the faster stuff) slows me down and that’s the vibe I prefer when celebrating birthdays. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy hanging out with old, drunk men? (Yes, that was a totally PG statement).

I could hang with these dudes.

VI: Very good point. What kind of things come to mind when you picture your party?

AM: Red hibiscus flowers. Everywhere. The other things that come to mind (rum and cigars) I don’t do, so while I don’t object to my guests partaking, I’ll instead focus on making sure the gents are decked out in fresh guayaberas with matching fedoras.

And now, a little Annika-birthday inspiration:

To wear: 

Planning an outfit for humid weather is always a little difficult, (“Will I be sweaty? Should I hide my Monica hair under this hat?”) But never fear, we have you covered.

Like Annika said, dressing for the gents is fairly simple and Latin inspired! Guayabera-style shirts have derived from Latin America, Cuba and the Philippines (if you want to learn a little about them, here you go.) I really like them styled with a straw fedora and some khaki pants:

• Cubavera has a great selection of men’s guayaberas. They have all sorts of prints and materials to choose from, but my favorite is the classic white, short-sleeved shirt.
• Khaki pants are kind of a staple anywhere you go, but I liked the ones at Banana Republic, especially because you can trust the craftsmanship.
• I loved the straw chambray trilby hat from J. Crew. It’s a nice, no-fuss fedora that has a lovely striped element. Plus, it has a non-douche vibe, unlike most fedoras. Listen, you all can’t be Justin Timberlake.

What a carefree hat.

For us ladies things can be just as easy. What’s better for a beach party than a flowing dress and some espadrilles?

• Into prints? How about this dress by T Bags?
• Simplistic gal? Alexander Wang is for you. (Plus, you can pair it with a pretty belt!)
• On a budget and like jeweled tones? I found this really cute dress at Alloy (who knew they were still a thing?)

Alexander Wang maxi dress.

I love these wedge espadrille sandals by Hunter, which are on sale now in Piperlime’s web store! The buckle is super cute.

Hello, lover.

To party there:

So many things come to mind when you think of a nighttime beach event. It all boils down to the decorations - and the bevs!

Paper luminaries always make for a fun and romantic mood at the beach. If you’re looking to get more creative or hands-on you can try flying lanterns. They’re not as eco-friendly as the paper luminaries (although you can buy ones that are), but here’s a tutorial on how to make them, just don’t aim for the coral reefs!

Pretty!

You should also get your hammock on. And you guys, Ikea makes one that’s less than $100 and won’t leave rope marks in your legs!

Ikea Hallo hammock, which has a few fun color options!

You will also need a beverage in hand whilst relaxing in the hammock, and per Annika’s party rules, one with rum! Who doesn’t love a fruity mojito? I found some recipes on Wholesome Cook’s blog that looked pretty delicious!

Delicious looking photo courtesy of Wholesome Foods blog.

There’s also a pretty amazing fresh strawberry limeade recipe on Our Best Bites if you want something that’s non-alcoholic. By the way, this is the “Best Vegan Burrito” recipe in the world, if you’re hungry…

Annika, this sounds like one amazing and relaxing birthday party. It certainly helped me get through this chilly day! So my lovlies, get your beach on and get your party on. And don’t forget this, you know, for before the sun goes down. 

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