One of our loves here at Cosmic Living is reading, which aligns well with our value of Curiosity. In fact, it is our goal to eventually hope bring you a selection of curated books known to have improved lives.
I recently discovered how much I love to read in public places—coffee shops, parks, random benches, or even on my porch. I love the background noise, the occasional people-watching, and the thoughts that emerge when something in my environment connects with what I'm reading. Most memorably, someone inevitably passes by who has either read the book or is interested in reading it, sparking a great conversation.
When designing the Cosmic Crossbody, I was determined that it had to fit a thick hardcover book without being too bulky. This posed a design challenge: how to carry a water bottle, phone, wallet, makeup, sunglasses, and a hardcover in a crossbody bag without resorting to a tote.
I put pen to paper and fabric to sewing machine and got to work to create the Cosmic Crossbody.
Here are 5 ways in which the Cosmic Crossbody has been designed to support your reading goals.
Not Too Big, Not Too Small
I measured my largest hardcover—Abraham Verghese's Covenant of Water—and used it as a reference for the bag’s dimensions. I laid out the bare minimum items I needed: chapstick, lipstick, sunglasses, water bottle, wallet, pen/highlighter, earbuds, phone, and keys. The first prototype needed to be sleek yet spacious.
To achieve this, I moved the water bottle pocket outside, creating more space inside and encouraging hydration. I made the bag wallet-less, with three card slots for essentials (credit card, debit card, ID), eliminating bulky wallets. A dedicated exterior pocket for the phone ensured easy access for note-taking or capturing moments. These features maximized space while maintaining a compact size.
Padded Protection
I worried about damage to my book or e-reader, so I added a layer of protective foam on each face, including the bottom and sides. This created a cocoon for hardcovers, e-readers, journals, and tablets, preventing dings, scratches, and wear. It also fit my iPad perfectly, making the bag a frequent companion.
Comfortable to Carry
Aware of how most crossbody bags hurt my shoulders after an hour, I wanted a strap that allowed for both crossbody and shoulder carry. I made the strap adjustable and wide to distribute weight across a larger area, reducing strain. The placement of the phone and water bottle pockets balanced the weight, and after consulting with a physiotherapist, I decided against a detachable strap to avoid focal stress on connectors.
Easy Access
One thing we value tremendously here at Cosmic is time. We want to create products with meaning and we also want you to live a life that has the space and time for this meaning to materialize. Our products are designed for quick retrieval of frequently used items. The water bottle pocket allows easy access, the phone pocket uses a magnetic closure, the key leash eliminates rummaging, and the card slots replace bulky wallets. Handy pockets hold lip balm, makeup, and sunglasses, while a wide back pocket securely stores documents and passports.
Supporting Literacy
By choosing the Cosmic Crossbody, you're enhancing your literary style and supporting literacy initiatives. A portion of proceeds from reading accessories goes to programs that make literature accessible to all, making your purchase a force for positive change in communities around the world.
