IMO, proper raingear (jacket/pants) is more important than fenders. I also don't get the "just get wet" mentality. Maybe that's because it doesn't rain much in the summer here, but it rains all winter long.
I like my winter shoes a lot, but they are expensive. I use Scirocco gloves from Performance, and my hands don't get too cold.
I have an eVent jacket, and it's pretty good, and Performance Naniamo rain pants - not so good, but they are cheap.