lighting equipment. what to buy for strobist

[colormeter]

Hi

After reading strobist blog I am thinking about learning strobist photography and best way to learn is to start doing it.

For starters I think I need 2 flashes, remote triggers+receivers,
umbrella, stands.

Am I on right track?

I was searching on ebay about these products but as I have never purchased anything like that so bit confused.

What are good brands for these products?

which kind of umbrella is better? reflective or white?

there were two kind of attachment/brackets for umbrella stand on ebay. one which holds bulb and other for flash.

what should i look for when buying those?

there are some small diffusers like softbox on flash. are they good?


thanks in advance