If you want to race, you need the best frame you can afford, then the best wheels you can afford. The rest is not so important.
Most of all, it needs to fit right.
As for shoes, forget fashion and appearence. Go for a good brand, and make sure they fit. Not just length, but width and across the top of the foot. And if you are new to racing, you don't want them super stiff. It takes time to get used to that. Sidi are great, but not so good if you have wide feet. Carnac are best for wide feet. Northwave, Lake and Shimano also very good.
If I was you, I would get the best Planet X bike you can. You won't go wrong there. I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about them. And you wont be the only one in the peloton on a Planet X. Check out their website.
You could buy a very expensive bike, say 3k and upwards, and you are paying for image, marketing, fancy paintwork and subsidising the pro team. I have ridden the very best bikes available. Colnago, Pinarello, Giant, Cyfac (probably the very best bikes inthe world), BT, Specialised, Olmo etc etc, and the difference between them is slight. And the difference between a 5k bike and a 2k bike is not as big as you would expect.
If you are new to racing, get a good frame, good wheels and learn how to race well, then upgrade when you need to.
I have raced at the top level, and in Europe, and made all the mistakes. 27 years of racing has taught me that a bike thats 'good enough' is all you need. I am a bike tart...I admit it.......but I know its my legs that let me down. Never the bike.