For early/mid game items I'll throw up some suggestions.
Helm-tarnhelm>radiance/lore RW>+3 jav rare circlet
Armor-whatever really until heaven's garb comes around
Belt-lenymo>TGods
Weapon-Start checking all rare and white javs starting around A3 or so. Look for the +3 jav mod, triple socket it and stuff it with topaz.
As Kruno touched on you're gonna want to save up your amethyst gems ASAP to craft some caster gear. Being that you're playing single player it can be a bitch to craft an exceptional item in normal but I'll give ya a few hints.
The gloves/boots/shields especially are a must for mid game play, the automods are just insane(
http://sites.google.com/site/hudatabase ... ster-craft). Problem is early on getting the Pgems to transmute into a Starstone amethyst to craft the exceptional version. Also acquiring a magic exceptional item is sometimes a bitch.
Best way to get the gems early is either a gem shrine via a flawless, or get lucky on a Hell Forge. Flawless gems also start dropping around the end of A4. You'll need 3 perfect amethyst to get one exceptional craft so it isn't exactly easy in normal, but the items can last you all the way to Hell. To get the exceptional magic item either keep a look out around mid A5, or you can gamble them earlier as long as your level is sufficient. You'll wanna look for magic demonhide boots, demonhide gloves, and a defender shield.
This may seem like a big explanation but I figured you're pretty new so I tried to cover it all. Updating your gear is very important in this mod and these few items will make a huge difference for an early game caster.