Oldpacman nailed it.
Although a studio setup would be the most controllable and convenient (you shoot when you want to), it does require the most equipment ($$$) and space. So let's think out of the box (pardon the pun).
The challenge is to have a wide (large) souce of even light that can envelope your subject. One way of achieving this is to shoot in a white room with white ceilings, and use your flash(es) in bounce mode, so that it is the reflected light that surrounds the subject. However, bouncing the light around a room uses up a lot of light, and you need a strong flash to provide enough power. If the room is small, you could probably get away with the 430, but if it's a normal room (more than 15'x15'), you would need at least a 580 or maybe even more. You also have to aim the flashes behind you, so the back (white) wall becomes the surface providing the light, otherwise if you bounce the light just off the ceiling, you get eye and chin shadows.
The Gary Fong diffuser works very well, as long as you're in a room with white ceilings that are 8-9 ft. high, and you're shooting close (5-8 ft). The range is short because again you're spreading out the available flash light. The Gary Fong diffuser (kinda) avoids the shadows from the bounce above by directing some of the light horizontally. I use it a lot, it works well (certainly much better and flattering pictures than direct flash!), but it's not quite as good as the studio setup.
Another way of getting the envelopping light is to shoot in front of a large window which is brightly lit but not with direct sunlight. Then, you don't need the flash setup at all, but you do have to take care of the colour balance (shoot a grey card for custom colour balance), and you're somewhat limited in terms of your shooting direction.
Still another way is to take the whole thing outdoors, surround your "shooting area" with white sheets so that they provide a source of "wide" light. You don't want direct sunlight as that will cause shadows and be "harsh".
Back to your question - If you've got the money and the space, your second selection would certainly give you a good starting point. Add the flashes, radio triggers, a few reflectors, and lots of practice, and you'll get there.
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