Hasselbeck scores style points

"The View," which airs weekdays on ABC, seems like a good idea in theory: four diverse women bringing their distinctive personalities to the table to tackle issues of the day, such as child rearing in the 21st century or, um, Patrick Dempsey's scruff. But, like most good ideas, it fails in practice because four distinctive personalities often feel the need to be heard on top of one another, especially on topics as weighty as McDreamy.

Frankly, it would be easy to blame all of this on Star Jones and the lunacy she suffered during the planning of her nuptials, or on Rosie O'Donnell – and her hatred of that great American hero, Donald Trump. But instead, let's blame petite and perky Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Not because it's really her fault, but because she's the young, cute one – a Kathie Lee Gifford in training, complete with the football player husband, NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck.

In fact, the only thing wrong with Elisabeth – aside from spelling her name with an S – is that she is making the rest of her co-hosts look frumpy. You see, from a style standpoint, Hasselbeck scores at will. (That's a phrase that has never been applied to her husband.) Of course, we expect her to know how to dress – prior to joining "The View" in 2003 she hosted "The Look for Less" on Style Network. You may also recall her initial claim to fame came on "Survivor: The Australian Outback."

Now, you'd think that ABC would take advantage of its audience and include a significant amount of Hasselbeck's wardrobe choices on the show's Web site. But a visit there seems all well and good until you get to its online store, where you'll be greeted by what must be the weirdest choices imaginable. Want a knockoff of Jennifer Lopez's Oscar dress? A knockoff of Eva Longoria's gown she wore at the Golden Globes? Or dresses similar to those worn by Penelope Cruz, Beyonce, Drew Barrymore or Kate Winslet? Yep, that's 75 percent of the selection. True, they're better options than a mohair turtleneck worn by Joy Behar, but what they've got to do with "The View" is anyone's guess.

Nevertheless, the site does feature two very nice pieces by Diane von Furstenberg that Hasselbeck has been spotted in – a jacket with beaded cuffs for a hefty $425 and a lacy summer dress at $374 built to hide pregnancies and other maladies.

Regardless of what you choose from "The View," we're sure it will help woo Dr. McDreamy the next time he takes a seat on your couch.