YOUR PLACE.

Byline: Jaime Spangrude

Transform your living quarters from shabby to chic with the following items:

TICK-TOCK: Bring your home to life with the Asterisk wall clock from the world's leading clock company, Howard Miller. Part of the company's Retro Collection, the clock is a replica of a classic George Nelson design first created by Miller in the 1940s. The clock is fashioned with flat metal in a black polish and has contrasting white hands. It features a battery-operated quartz movement and is 13 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches deep. The clock retails for $57.95 and is available for purchase by calling [phone].

TAKE A SEAT!: Introduce elegance and comfort into your living room with the Bijou Ottoman from the Ernest Hemingway Collection at Thomasville. This overstuffed leather footstool/seat has a standard nail trim, rustic brass and is 21 inches wide and 20 inches tall. With its arched curves, faux crocodile look and big-game-inspired feet, this accessory is a must-have. The piece retails for $1,250 and is available for purchase at Thomasville of Encino, 17220 Ventura Blvd., Encino. [phone]. www.thomasville.com.

CHARMING COLLECTIONS: Mother's Day is May 8, but it's never too early to start thinking about gifts for Mom. If you need some inspiration, try the Vintageweave Mother's Day Bouquet from Vintageweave Interiors, a new Los Angeles boutique. The bouquet contains a neck relaxer made with vintage fabrics and filled with lavender and flax seed for warming in the oven or microwave, Pre de Provence Lavender soap and hand lotion, an Illume lavender candle and a soap dish that reads, ``Where there is Woman, there is Magic.'' The gift is wrapped with pink tulle and dried rose petals and is available for $130 at Vintageweave Interiors, 169 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. To purchase, call [phone], or go to www.vintageweave.com.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT: If you're into designer furniture but not its high prices, check out The Dock Downtown, a Los Angeles home furnishing store that specializes in sample, overstock and closeout home furnishings from high-end designers and manufacturers at 50 percent to 75 percent below retail prices. Sales to the public take place during select times every month - with the next sale taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12-13. Because sales are by invitation only, be sure to sign up at www.thedockdowntown.com to get a free invitation. Once you respond, that month's location and date will be sent to you.

ODE TO ORCHIDS: Take in the beauty of one of the world's most enticing flowers at ``A Celebration of Orchids: 60 Years of Excellence,'' the 60th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show. The show will feature hundreds of different orchid species and named varieties by more than 70 exhibitors from the United States and foreign countries. The show will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, Highway 101 and Las Positas Road in Santa Barbara. Admission is $8 to $10. For more information, call [phone].

CAPTION(S):

7 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (Asterick wall clock)

(2 -- 3 -- color) no caption (furniture from The Dock Downtown)

(4 -- 5 -- color) no caption (Bijou Ottoman from Thomasville)

(6 -- color) no caption (Vintageweave Mother's Day Bouquet)

(7 -- color) no caption (Orchids)