Tear, Tear, Tear!

I have some of the SADDEST NEW E.V.E.R! I have been trying to call Catherine ALL morning, literally every five minutes. I finally resorted to trying to send a fax, but that line was oddly enough busy. Well, after about an hour and 15+ tries of calling direct I had the brilliant idea to call the concierge at the Westin which is next door (when I want to get something done I will go to the extreme). Kind concierge informed me that he believed my BELOVED Catherine was closing or had already closed. He even went outside to check for me and when he came back he confirmed that Catherine was indeed no more. He was unable to offer an exact reason, but said the news came as a shock to all stores on the darling, little rue and that the closing was very recent. I am just heart broken. This is tres, tres, TRES sad! I have gone through all my notes and agendas to see if I may for some reason have the owners information, but no such luck. I have resorted to emailing a writer (whom I consider a dear friend for introducing me to Catherine) to see if she may have the personal contact information for the owner or any of the bag vendors. I just cannot believe my favorite shop in Paris is gone, I hope Laduree is not next! I am going to resume my mourning session for the next thirty minutes then I am off to meet Lulu!! Thank goodness for that or else this day really might be a long one!

9:30am UPDATE: I just heard back from dear author, now friend, who said the family that owned Catherine retired from the business so Catherine is therefore no more. She said she has NEVER received such a reaction to a store closing so I am holding out that someday, somewhere they may reopen!! Until then I will cherish and take VERY good care of my current bags!!