My package is safe!
It's a long story, but the current situation is that it got shipped back to my old (empty) house in California! I had my neighbor keep an eye out and he swooped it up for me. Next month when we go back to SF for our visa appointment at the French consulate, I'll meet up with him to get it. Whew! What a relief (and what a waste of $85 postage). I'll have to put in double-time on getting the corset done once I get it back in my hands. :)