It's my one-stop shop for staples like basic tanks and trendy knockoffs: Forever 21. Clothing scored here doesn't last a lifetime, but a season's good enough at the prices.

But does my cheapness amount to aiding and abetting thievery? The courts could soon decide.

Forever 21 clothing has sparked lots of lawsuits in recent years, including litigation by pricey designers like Diane von Furstenberg, BeBe stores and Anthropologie, who are none too happy when look-a-likes from their collections show up in Forever 21 mall stores.

The latest case could be a landmark for the fashion industry.

Forever 21 is being sued by a preppy designer, Trovata.

The question is whether the similarities between their designs is illegal, says Women's Wear Daily, which has big implications "in an era when facsimiles of runway looks often appear in multinational specialty chains before a designer’s original version has a chance to hit stores."

The verdict: I'm torn. It's clear from this photo that Forever 21 clothing crosses the line between inspiration and stealing from Trovata.

Still, the fashion industry has been playing pricing games for years. I'd be willing to pay more to support the designers. But more of them need to make fashion affordable to the masses, like Forever 21 does.

Of course, my opinion won't buy a Forever 21 bangle that colors your arm after a few wears. What do you think?

~ Deal Diva Letitia

(Photo: At $17.80, this trendy zebra tunic is a perfect Forever 21 clothing buy. But is the look "stolen" or just "inspired?"