1st build advice? Arc Elementalist

Hello,

Been playing the game for about a week, been having a blast with it. Currently low 50s, so nowhere near anything end game. But I have been thinking on where to take my build:

www.poeurl.com/bxsI

This is how i expect to finish my skill tree. Been reading builds and ideas here and there, and this is what i came up with. Rationally being to build life and build up arc with life leech for sustainability.

Not necessarily looking to break records or clear to the max, just seeing how far this will take me. But any pointers/advice/help is appreciated.

Also i am unfamiliar with the gear of the game in general. I've been looking up pieces as i read them off builds to get a sense of what's out there, but so far i haven't found anything that i would think i should target to acquire (maybe Pledge of Hands)?