rain gear, or an umbrella?

Decisions decisions. While walking in the pouring down rain this morning, and getting soaked (even with my little brown unbrella), I was trying to decide between a hoity toity REI caliber rain outfit, or a big, strong, transparent plastic (so I can still look up and see the trees) umbrella. Money, as it is more and more often lately, is a major factor. Decisions decisions.