Advice for a first time weight lifter. Please and Thanks!

I also need to get some shoes. Any recommendations?
I also need some clothes, the usual big t-shirt and sweat pants isn't going to cut it. What should I wear?

You can garb yourself in an assortment of those cute girl outfits, but your sweats and t-shirts are fine, because this is about comfort more than anything.

Just go do your thing, and try to forget anybody else is even there.

You're there to work - not impress others.
As for specific workouts and routines, hear me! Get this down before you hit the gym.
Either hire a personal trainer or do your own comprehensive research on how best to begin.
Here's a link to get you started:
http://www.dcdoctor.com/pages/rightpages_wellnesscenter/fitnessandexerciseprograms/resistancetraining/resistrain_women.html

This is but one resource of many. Know what you're going to do and why before you darken the door of any gym.
Keep a log with you and journal your workouts.

And finally, HAVE FUN!
Yes, enjoy yourself. Life is to be lived.

Good Luck.

In terms of footwear and clothing - you want clothes that will maintain your dignity throughout the different ranges of movement, and for footwear, something that will provide you steady footing. I personally opt for skate-style trainers (Airwalk) as they have a very wide, flat sole, although I ocassionally work out in my running shoes.

I would consider one or two sessions with a personal trainer or someone you trust to show you the moves. Like David said, you can injure yourself if your form is wrong. It is not something you would need to do on an ongoing basis as once you learn how to do an exercise you will know them.

Good luck!

heehee.. I looked like a total noob when I started NROLFW.. I didn't care though.. I take a diary in with me with the workout for the day so I can add in my sets and weights.

AMAZING workout though

I had to google NRoLFW as being a man I never heard of it.

I have to ask though, and I am not being snarky I honestly do not know.... Do women have different muscles/muscle structure than men? I have always been around women athletes and they train just like the men.

Shoes--not too cushiony, you want to be lifting weight, not compressing EVA foam. Avoid running/basketball/casual&skate shoes. Look for real cross trainers or bare foot type runners (with the five toes, although I don't personally like them).

Clothes--whatever you are comfortable in. some people like baggy (sweat pants and t-shirts are OK) while others like compression fit stuff, see what you like and don't run out and buy a whole gym wardrobe until you know your preferences.

Note--think about buying weight lifting gloves, they prevent calluses and can make lifting a little more pleasant especially when you are new to holding textured bars.

Ok, I understand now. Good luck and thanks.

I prefer doing strength training in my bare feet because I find that I improve my balance that way. At the gym, I think they pretty much frown on that, so I'd wear something without all of that cushioning like running shoes have. I like to wear capri yoga-type pants, or shorts with compression shorts underneath (so people don't see my knickers when I'm working on my abs!), for a shirt just a nice short sleeved shirt that fits but isn't too tight and something that will help wick the sweat away from my body.

When you start lifting heavier, workout gloves will help a bunch!

Congrats on starting to lift!! There is a great group here for NROLFW that you might want to check out.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/102-new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-nrol4w

You'll see all kinds of clothing at the gym - some people wear fancy gear, some are there in plain old shorts and t-shirts. Doesn't matter a bit - t-shirt and sweats will be just fine (as long as it doesn't get in the way of your work). You can't wear flip flops LOL - just a good pair of tennis shoes will work.

Make sure you warm up good and stretch afterwards. Check out some videos to help you with the form that you can't learn from a book (form is important so you don't injure yourself). If you feel silly, just pretend you don't and nobody will know the difference. Have fun!!!

Lift heavy ****, and do primarily compound lifts. And if a personal trainer tells you that full squats are "bad for the knees" and suggests you shorten your range-of-motion, fire them on the spot.

I wear cross trainers, comfortable yoga or gym pants (ones that have a cinch string are best, so I'm not constantly pulling them up), a sports-bra tank top, and a tee on top (because I'm still a little self conscious about myself in just the tank.) I looked like a total noob the first couple times I was in the weight room lifting, and I"m totally okay with that, because we all have to start somewhere. Google the typical form for the exercises and make sure you bring your notes with you. Other than that, don't forget to smile at that pretty face looking back at you in the mirrors - you're doing this for YOU, and anyone that would even think to look sideways at you in the gym can go EABOD.

Congrats and welcome to NROLFW!

Go to a sporting goods store and get some weight-lifting gloves -- they will save your hands! I have enjoyed lifting a LOT more now that I have them ... calluses are no fun. The gloves often are in standard black/gray, but mine have a bit of a pink detail, and you should be able to find something similar if you so desire. Get what you like so that you'll have one more reason to get out there and do it!

I mostly lift at home for the convenience and because I seriously get annoyed with men grunting and showing off in the weight room. Really, you won't be the annoying one in the weight room -- expect the annoying ones to be the regulars. When I'm at home, I often don't even wear shoes (but I'm guessing that's really not recommended -- you should protect your toes! Also, there's that whole no shoes, no service/basic human hygiene thing at a gym). However, you're not going to need any sort of special shoes to lift. Keds would do. I would just make sure they have decent traction so that if you pick up a weight and bit off more than you could chew, you at least have your footing to get yourself back in a safe state.

Congrats on starting lifting! I used to lift a lot in high school while I was on swim team, and I was in the best shape of my life. I didn't feel bulky/too masculine at all, and I loved the definition in my arms. I realize this has probably been the missing piece with my fitness efforts over the years, because I have been a cardio queen with very small gains. I just started P90X again and am ready to see some gains and jumpstart my metabolism! I love, love, love how much progress I see from one workout to the next -- it's a lot more rewarding than the scale has been lately.

Converse All-Stars lo-tops.

warning, I did find that they run a little big, so make sure that they fit well, try some lunges in the middle of the store.