Coming back here again....plus need help with fall/winter gear

[amyp]

kind of a short re-introduction too: hope this post isn't too unorganized. I got a new bike! a 43cm Terry Tailwind with 650c wheels. Finally something that fits even though they had to make the stem a lot shorter. Also, it's my first time riding clipless...and I'm still trying to get used to them. I had an accident a few weeks ago on a trip where I crashed on a narrow bridge oops due to poor handling skills (i'm not very good yet) ripped my shorts too and ended up having to go to urgent care. Nothing bad, mostly just road rash and they had to use steri-bond for a open gash. I guess I'm not used to my bike yet....it's a bit more responsive than my older bike I guess they call it "twitchy"?

Anyway, it's raining and weather is getting bad again here in the Northwest! Getting ready for the cold wet weather. Got to get geared up.

I will list things I have:
-liner gloves
-burton snowboarding mittens and gloves
-scarves
-Buff
-Pearl Izumi quest short (feels like I'm wearing a diaper all the time. awh)
-Pearl izumi mountain shoes
-two short sleeve jerseys
-plenty of underarmor like long sleeves and long pants from playing lacrosse in high school.
-front and back light of course

Things I think I need to get:
-Waterproof pants. short and long?
-pants for weather below 40F? Or do you look for something that can protect you in even colder temps?
-shoe covers
-glasses. I wear contacts. One time I was commuting my eyes got really dry and it fell out of my left eye. Pretty much left me blind for the rest of the day. I always get dirt in my eyes. I have sunglasses but they are just the cheapy ones so there is still glare when the sun hits it.
-wool or long sleeve jersey
-New rain jacket. I had a Patagonia rain jacket, I don't think I can restore it anymore.

Things I'm kind of "eh" about even though people tell me I should get them:
-knee, arm, leg warmers
-Liner shorts
-knickers
-windbreaker

I should mention I'm not a fan of long pants. They are usually still too long even though they are labeled petite or short, my inseam is about 26" (like when I wear capris they reach my ankles hahaha) and I have really huge calves/thighs but then the waist band is usually really loose.

How do you figure what you want? Are there certain brands you like or stay away from? Do you have a certain criteria? Price is first, then material is second, fit and lastly aesthetics I suppose. Like there are some pants that have chamois and some without how do you decide?

I didn't start wearing bike shorts with chamois until I got the Terry....so I really have no experience. I would always commute in jeans/street clothes or whatever I had. I've only worn the P.I. Quest Shorts and it feels bulky like I'm wearing a diaper. I tried the P.I. Symphony short and I really liked it because the padding wasn't as thick but I didn't buy it because of $_$. Are bibs better than shorts?

When you commute what do you usually carry? My commute is from Portland, OR to Vancouver, WA on most days and to school which is about 8 miles one way.

Ohhhh this is pretty embarrassing: I have never changed a tube in my life. I'm a little afraid of this happening and not knowing what to do. And I don't know anything about bike maintenance :/. Any links for me to check out to help myself doing simple things instead of going to a shop?

Another question is I'm looking to buy bike rollers as well. Any tips? I've been looking at CL a lot. Edit: I've been on rollers before. I got them down the first day I tried. It was a pretty awesome feeling. A friend told me I should get them as well.

Well I think that's all I have to ask for now. I'm sure I have plenty of questions. Hope you can help a girl out!