Congrats!! You look awesome, I too think the monty is a fab bag. What changed your mind about the palermo? What size palermo did you have?
I had the Palermo PM which my husband chose for me as a gift, I never tried it on. I loved the pleat and versatility of the 2 strap options, but the zipper seemed clunky and cumbersome compared to the buttery smooth Monty and I didn't like the boxiness of the bottom-it seemed to jut to far out on my slimmish frame. I've seen it look great on other people though.