Here are a few items that pad AC nicely for low level monks.
http://wiki.project1999.com/Azure_Sleeves
http://wiki.project1999.com/Fine_Silk_Turban
http://wiki.project1999.com/Cloak_of_Shadows Note:
BPS cloak is actually quite good for this slot
http://wiki.project1999.com/Targishin's_Bone_Mask
I always figure get enough AC to decently mitigate what you are fighting, then stack HP for wriggle room (with haste/regen/weapons as resources permit).
As you get higher level consider pulling; MR to shrug off roots and CR to save getting iced by comets.