I was in your position last year, trying to buy things on a budget. If you order online, remember that if it doesn't fit, you can return it. You have to try on your outer layers with inner layers, to see if you can move well. Like through the shoulders!
The things I found were necessities: armpit zippers, an interior pocket for the phone (so it doesn't get too cold), an easily accessible zippered pocket for a few $, credit card, and chapstick, and vented legs in my (insulated) pants. I ski in Vermont, so I don't know how many/what kinds of layers you'll want underneath, but if you get cold easily you'll want plenty of room inside your outerwear.
I LOVE my wool half-zips. I found them all on sierratradingpost.com or REI garage. I got my jacket (last season's TNF Brigantine) at Marshall's, after returning an Arc'teryx from STP that just wouldn't fit over my belly. I am much happier with wool inner layers than the few synthetic ones I have. It's true about the smell - wool just doesn't stink like synthetic and you WILL sweat. You will sweat on the same days that you're cold, too.
I use chemical hand warmers inside of mittens, not gloves. Can you tell I have cold hands? :-) I bought really warm gloves, but you can't put hand warmers where your fingers need them, and right away I had to buy mittens, to use instead.
Keep accessories in mind when you budget (or do what the rest of us do, pretend we didn't just spend all that money on gear!). You'll be needing a helmet, goggles, hand warmers, toe warmers, face protection, maybe a beanie or skullcap for under your helmet, a neck gaiter (scarves can get caught on the lift) . . . it goes on and on! Welcome! You might need a second mortgage, but it's worth it!
