Try on an Ikon jacket. They look funny, depending on the color (just don't do yeller), but they're reinforced textile and have metal plates in them. Comfortable and surprisingly breathable. The ultimate jacket for riding in Florida with the risk of skidding down 150 degree concrete in the summer. Leathers are niiiiice, but sweaty.
Helmets are so very different. I agree with lt1s10... you've got to try them on. Black matte shouldn't be too difficult to find. Definately boots and gloves. I've seen shoe soles stripped off, toes run over, blistered feet from the heat. It's just not worth it. Good luck, man. Once you figure out what you want to focus on, there's tons of sites where you can get stuff discounted. Or in a great bike shop.
Just please, please don't be that guy I saw yesterday. Cargo jean shorts, running shoes, a gold chain and sunglasses. That's it. No shirt, gloves, helmet. How he was talking on the cell phone at 75 mph on I-95 in 5:00 traffic is beyond me. In the emergency lanes at times, no less.