Wow. Super old thread. But, I love express too! Its one of my favorite stores, I really love their jeans (long!!!).
I used to wear Express pieces in high school and the earlier college years. I definitely noticed the quality going down. I think the last item I bought from them was a sweater that pilled up the first time I wore it.
Now I would rather buy fewer, better quality pieces than a TON at Express/Arden B... I'm able to wear them so much longer and once your eye recognizes better textiles, you become fixated on it.