Paladin gearing priority?

[Saisu]

Started from nil a week or two ago, and have been having a bunch of fun as an Erudite Paladin (level 15). Leveling in the Qeynos areas, so I haven't touched the economy of EC yet.

Right now I'm in 70% cloth armor, 2 pieces of leather, 2 pieces of gifted chainmail, a 6AC vendor-bought shield, and a gifted Giant Militia Longsword (11/39 and magic so I can hit those Will-O-Wisps). Not great, but I can still tackle blue cons slowly.

Through grouping with an awesome shaman at the Western Karana bandits, I've amassed ~450pp to spend. This has me wondering what I should be focusing on? My spells seem to generate plenty of threat, and even with a more powerful weapon I know my damage will be... wanting. Maybe the best use of platinum is on AC and HP?

Someone advised me to constantly be looking for a Shield of the Stalwart Seas, but it looks rarely sold and probably out of my price range for some time. Other people swear by saving up for haste (Silver Chitin Hand Wraps), but I'm not sure how beneficial they are to a Paladin? Safest route may be to find a blacksmith to craft a set of Banded Armor, and buy two 5AC 55HP rings?

If you have any advice on what I should be saving up for, or which items have the strongest effect on playing a Paladin please let me know! Happy to learn more.