Gibson or Fender?  

I'm an intermediate guitarist who's been playing for about 2 years. My first guitar was a good old fender strat my dad gave to me when I was 15. It sounded pretty good for a run down guitar, but needed a bit of a 'tune up'. So i go it fixed and now sounds superb with my Marshall amp (that looks like its about to blow up).
I've started a band (me and a couple of friends) and we generally do cover songs of some well known bands, like the Beatles and Heart. We were asked to play at a small party. After the party, we were paid $50 each. The host of the party then thought we would be a really good band for his sons primary school disco/party. Agreeing, we went to the school one Friday night and we were a huge hit for the teachers. Being greatly appreciated by them, we were all payed $100. So now we're playing at a couple of gigs around the town and earning some money (couple of grand per month). But one day, whilst rehearsing with our band, my guitar was stolen out of the garage along with our bass, amp and microphone stand (who would steel it?!). But now, with the money I've earned, I'm looking at buying a Gibson Les Paul (Gold Top), half because of its looks, the other half because it seems to be a really reliable brand name that I'm willing to use till I die. But I'm also wondering if I should get a fender strat, like my old one, but with extra features, maybe a couple of humdingers, dunno. but Yeah, I need help on which one would be better, Gibson, or Fender?