Been playing on and off for 15 years, great game to get into.
My best recommendation is to go to your local club or facility and get properly fitted. There is nothing better than swinging a club that is suited for you. A buddy of mine is 6'6", and has a set of regular woods and irons that are way too short for him. He's be a low 80s player easily if he had clubs that fit him.
As far as clubs go, it's definitely personal preference. Find a place that lets you try things out, and get a feel for what you are swinging. I am partial to Taylor Made woods and irons, and Cleveland wedges, but that's because my first set of woods and irons were hand me down Taylor Mades, and a 56 degree Cleveland sand wedge. Since then, I've added a Cleveland 52 and 60 degree wedges (pitching, lob).
A few of the better places online is
Golfsmith and
Edwin Watts Golf. Great selection. I've ordered from Golfsmith before, and they were solid.
Since you are first starting out, another place I'd suggest is Play It Again Sports, or some sort of used sporting goods store. You can try stuff out for a fraction of the price new, and can find some gems.