A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a housing with an open tray and a resilient cord. The tray is recessed into the rear of the housing. The cord spans the opening of the tray, creating a cord pattern of overlapping segments capable of securing items placed into the tray. In an embodiment, the tray may be separated from the housing and the cord separated from the tray. A user may customize the cord layout by threading the cord across the tray opening in a desired pattern based on the goods within the tray.