Ooh! The Verona leather really "elevates" this bag! I've been thinking of the Penny Messenger as a little run-around purse, but yours has a lot of presence, and it's almost a statement piece, but a refined one. Definitely has a "wow" factor!
Is the Verona leather very shiny? I find that the Venezia and Athene leathers are a little too "plasticky" (shiny and/or stiff) for my taste, and the Tuscania a little too matte in some colors though I love the "distressed" imprint. I love deep rich blues, and this one is really appealing.
Congratulations on a gorgeous combination of leather, hardware and purse style, and I love the idea of having two different removable straps!